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Full text of "History of Lapeer County, Michigan : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers"

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APEER 



Xx COUNTY 



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MICHIGAN 



WITH 



mipiis flD iGiipcJiL smcis 



OF SOME OF ITS 



Prominent Men and Pioneers. 



CHICAGO : 

1884. 



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History of Tiapeer County 9 

Indian Treaties : 10 

Organizing Coauties 11 

County Survey 11 

County Officers 12 

Court-Housc 13 

Townships Organized 13 

First Bettlenient of tJie County 14 

Period of the Land Fever 14 

Descri])tive 15 

Pioneer Picuire.»» 15 

Pioneer, Professi(>nal, and Educational His- 
tory 20 

Courts and Bar 21 

Earjy Law and Lawyers 22 

First Educational Ejfforts 24 

Early Lumbering 25 

County Societies 27 

Statistical 30 

Almont Townsbip 30 

Land Entries 30 

Early History 83 

CiviF History 35 

Town Officers . 36 

Village of Almont 36 

Cliurch History , . 39 

Almont Societies 40 

Lapeer Township *. . . 50 

Land Entries 50 

Early History 52 

Town Officers 53 

City of Lapeer . 57 

Biographical Beminiscence 59 

Early Incidents 60 

Pioneer Women 61 

Lapeer Postoffice 62 

Lapeer Newspapers 63 

Incorporation 64 

Village Officers 64 

City Officers 65 

Retrospective. . .* 65 

Lapeer Churches, 67 

Lapeer Schools 69 

Secret Orders 71 

Lapeer Industries 72 

Hadley Township 83 

Land Entries 83 

Early History 84 

Organization 86 

School Matters 86 

The Deserted City 87 

Village of Hadley 87 

Hadley Churches 88 

Societies 89 

Town Officers 89 

Dryden Townsbip _ 93 

Town Officers 93 

Land Entries 94 

Early History 96 

Whigville \\ 96 

A Memorable Period 97 

Early Events 98 

Personal Reminiscenct s 98 

An Indian Scare 100 

Early Religious History 101 

Thomville . . . / 103 

An Afflicted Family 103 

Dryden Village. .1 103 



The Old Log Ho"s- 105 

Early MovemeiH s 106 

Ladies' Library Association 106 

Societies .■ .108 

Metamora Townslii]) 115 

Land Entries 115 

Early History 117 

Religious History 121 

Village of Metamora 121 

The Metamora Bee 122 

Library Society 122 

Town Officers . . . 122 

Statistical 123 

Early History of Farmers' Creek 129 

Elba Township 131 

Land Entries 132 

Early History 133 

Town Officers 133 

School Report 134 

Marathon Township 135 

Organization 135 

Land Entries 136 

Early History 137 

Village of Columbiaville 139 

Societit s 139 

Incorporation 140 

General Progress 140 

Village of Otter Lake . ' 141 

Early History 141 

Churches 141 

Pier^onville 144 

Town Officers 144 

Attica Township 147 

Laud Entries 147 

Early History 148 

Town Officers 149 

Village of Attica 151 

Churches 151 

Societies 151 

May 11 eld Township 154 

Laud Entries 154 

Early History 155 

Town Officeis 155 

Fish Lake or Stephens 156 

Five Lakes 157 

Oregon Township 159 

Land Entries igo 

Earl.Y History igi 

Organization loi 

Town Officers . . . . ^ 162 

Iralay Towoship 164 

Land Entries 164 

Early History 165 

Organizifion 166 

General Progress 167 

Town Officers 168 

Tmlav City ' 169 

Incorporation 170 

Village Officers 170 

Iralay City Churches \\\ 170 

Secret Orders .'.'.. 171 

Newspapers [ 171 

G-oodland Townsbip " ..." 174 

Land Entries ' 175 

Early History ..'..IIQ 

Civil History 176 

Tow^n Officers . . . . 176 

Burnside Township 179 






Land Entries 179 

Early History 181 

Civil History 181 

Schools 182 

Town Officers 182 

North Branch Towushn) 184 

Land Entries ,....' 184 

Early History ' / 185 

Schools : 186 

Town Officers . I86 

Village of North B)anch 187 

Churches I87 

Societies I88 

Incorporation 189 

Deerfield Township 191 

Land Entries 192 

Civil History 193 

Town Officers . 194 

Fire of 1881 .1^4: 

Burlington Towns!. iu. . . 196 

Village of Clifford .^ V.V.V.'l98 

Land Entries 198 

Civil History 199 

Town Officers 200 

Arcadia Township 202 

Land Entries. ... 203 

Early History 204 

Town Officers 205 

Rich Tow^nsbip 2O6 

Land Entries 207 

Civil History 209 

Town Officers 209 

BIOGRAPHIES. 

Abbott, A. W 82 

ilbbott, Jobn 63 

Abbott, W. L \ ,\\. . . W. Ill 

Abbott, William L ....*.'..... . . '. '. Ill 

Allen, George W ..... . ! 48 

Allen, Sanford C .111 

Alyea, Warren C 152 

Andrews, William '/ ' 173 

Angle, John M .....,[ 110 

Aris, Henry ' ' ° 19Q 

Armour, Robert " " ] ] ' 140 

Arms, Samuel ] " ' 159 

Armstrong, W. R . . . . 45 

Arnold, Perry ' \y^ 

Ash, John S 41 

Atwell, David C. ..... .153 

Austin, C. V 159 

Aurand, William H .14:b 

Babcock, H. C . 125 

Babcock. Robert S 173 

Bacon, D. C * * . 106 

Baker, Thomas C * 195 

Belch, F. V '.'.'.'.'.[ 41 

Baldwin, J. H 191 

Ballard, Charles * ' 139 

Barnes, Thomas 178 

Barrows, E. P ' * ' 123 

Bartlett, Elijah 113 

Bartlett, Henry 112 

Bartlett, Horace ...... 115 

Bates, Zadock 55 

Bates, William W '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.','.'" 55 

Bayley, W. L. \ ^28 

Beach, Isaac T 44 






M 



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CONTENT S— Continued. 



Bearss, Joseph H 196 

Beckman. William 134 

Beckwith,Orlow 143 

Beden, Waiter M 92 

Beebe, Parley L 154 

Bentley, Jasper 79 

Bentley, William 202 

Birdsall, Henrv A 73 

Black, Oscar F 168 

Blake, Dr. William 152 

Blow, James 112 

Blow, JoliB 110 

Blow, William H 112 

Bolmsack, Joseph J 64 

Booth, Horace M 46 

Borland, John 174 

Bostick, Gilbert 48 

Bradshaw, Amos 201 

Braidwood, John 109 

Braidwood, Mark 43 

Bredin, Eichard 109 

Brigham, Aaron 85 

Brigham, Aaron G 86 

Brigham, Henry S 85 

Brigham, John, Sr 85 

Brigham, John, Jr 86 

Brigham, Samuel L 86 

Bristol, Joseph 49 

Bristol, Sheldon 48 

Brooks, William 56 

Broomfield, George 179 

Brophy, James D 109 

Brown, Charles W 78 

Brown, Clarence E 124 

Browne, A. C . 128 

BrownelJ, E. A 90 

Bruce, John G 183 

Buerger, John A 81 

Buchauau, H. M 177 

Buck, William I 163 

Buck, Willson 209 

Bullock, Frederick G 135 

Bullock, Lewis 135 

Burgess, Alfred 140 

Butler, Jerome B ] 83 

Butterfield, Ira H 76 

Butterfield, W 55 

Byer, John E 154 

Cady, Nelson 127 

Cahill, Dennis 158 

Caley, Matthias 54 

Caley, Thomas 55 

Caliis, William 159 

Campbell, John W^ 92 

Cardwell, Jirah 168 

Carpenter, G. W 158 

Carpenter, & Lloyd 143 

Carpenter, Samuel 163 

Carpenter, Stephen 158 

Carr, Gardiner 50 

Carter, Oliver 196 

Gary, George H , 81 

Case, C. G . .202 

Castle, H. S 189 

Castle, John 189 

Castle, Levi K 189 

Castle, Ozro J 189 

Chambers, Stephen 190 

Chaplin, Harvev S 210 

Chapman, C. E 127 

Chapman, George P 56 

Chase, Alfred 191 

Chase, George A 191 

Cheasbro, William H. H 113 

Churchill, Charles 178 

Churchill, David 178 

Churchill, W. B 172 

Clark, Alphonso •. .112 

Clark, B. W...., 128 

Clark, John 146 

Clark, Walden 114 

Clark, William 128 

Clark. William... . 47 

Cliff, Charles H 144 

ClossoD , Myron D 48 



Closson, Nelson E 48 

Clute, Ephraim 140 

Clute, Eichard A 145 

Clute, Willey A 145 

Coffron, W. W 190 

Cole, J. W" 114 

Collins, Eli , 55 

Compton, Jerome 135 

Comstock, Dr. J. S 24 

Comstock, L. H. M 202 

Conant, x\lonzo. \ 159 

Conklin, EobertB 76 

Conner, E. L 129 

Cooley, D 112 

Corey, Alexander W 81 

Coryell, A. B.., 128 

Cotter, E. B 43 

Courter, John 114 

Courter, William H 114 

Coutts, Peter 44 

Cowan, A. S 126 

Cramton, George W 90 

Crosby, William 47 

CummiDgs, G. H 191 

Cummingp, William C 143 

Currier, F. P 48 

Currier, H. A 42 

Cushing, Thomas E '. 163 

DaJey, William F 80 

Daly, A. S 153 

Darwood, Joseph 112 

Davenport, George 90 

Davenport, Oliver 90 

Davis, Murdoch L 143 

Day, D. P 158 

DaV, William C Ill 

DavtoD, Charles 201 

Dean, C.T 56 

De Groat, Henry C 206 

Delanev, John Ill 

Demorest. G. F 76 

Deneen, John N 172 

Dennis, J. W^ 54 

Denoyer, Antoine 154 

Dickersoi], Chilion F .177 

DiDgman, Charles 195 

Dirstine, Thomas 129 

Dirstine, Samuel 129 

Dittman, Augustus 112 

Dodds, Archibald 209 

Dodds, Henry 56 

Dodds, John H 56 

Dodge, W.T .....173 

Donaldson, George . 76 

Douglass, Dr. E. G 76 

Dudlev, Miles F 196 

Dudlev, Eobert , 126 

Earl, E. K 77 

Earl, Jeremiah. 77 

Edwards, William B 201 

Eggleston, John P 173 

Elliott, Orlando 164 

Ellsworth, E. C 110 

Ellsworth, Samuel 109 

Emmons. B. E 46 

Empev,G. P 113 

Eoff, Ezra 112 

Eoff, Jacob 113 

Fries, Samuel 124 

Evans, Daniel .157 

Evans. Isaac 157 

Evans, John B 157 

Farnum, E. K 42 

FariHim, W^illiam P 45 

Earns worth, Christopher 157 

Fay, Thomas 179 

Ferguson, Alexander W 44 

Ferguson, C. & Son 41 

Ferguson, Charles 41 

Ferguson, Charks E 41 

Ferguson, James F 49 

FergTison, Peter. . 43 

Ferguson, Samuel E 50 

Ferguson. Yates 115 

Fisher, George W 109 



Flansburgh, Calvin D .178 

Flansburgh, L. W 178 

Folsom, Abuer C 196 

Folsom, Harvey J 178 

Foote, John H 110 

Foote, P. H 110 

Fosdick, Silas 91 

Fowler, F. E 56 

Fowler, Francis 56 

Fox, Martin 210 

Freer, James 1 09 

Freer, John Ill 

French, James 128 

Frioke, Charles A 122 

Frieke, Frederick D 195 

Frider, Morris 146 

Fidler. Mvron 163 

Galbraith, Eev. F. J 189 

Gallinger, Cyrenius 196 

Gark, Eobert L, 173 

Gaskill Silas B 23 

Gark, Sylvester 126 

Gass, Nicholas. 204 

Gates, A. B 185 

Gates, John G 55 

Gates, Stephen V 83 

Gilbert, Edwin W^ .141 

Gillings, Joshua 112 

Glasure, George. 184 

Gleason, Frank 90 

Goetchius, Henry B 45 

Goodale, E. Allen 159 

Goodale, Warren W 159 

Gordon, John 109 

Gould, C.B 183 

Gould, Edwin E 42 

Gould, F.E 45 

Govan,E.B Ill 

Grandy, Norton T 92 

Graves, Amos 163 

Gray, A. J 54 

Gray, Arthur J 81 

Gray, J. S..... 163 

Gray, StephenD 162 

Green, Ira 81 

Green, N.N... 92 

Greene & Eulison 79 

Gregory, Albert L 80 

Gregorv, George B 77 

Grofi, Edward : 128 

Groover, S.D 126 

Gunn, Joshua 183 

Gutches, JamesM 45 

Gutches, Oliver C 45 

Haddrill, Lorenzo J 73 

Hadley, Fore«t 77 

Haines, Frank M .206 

Hall, Seth 108 

Hall, W. F 172 

Hallock, Alfred 76 

Hallock, John 44 

Hamilton, William B 72 

Hammond, John . E 135 

Hammond, William 134 

Harp, John A 125 

Harp, William 201 

Harri-?, Benjamin J 145 

Harris, Charles 56 

Harris, Edward T 145 

Hairis, Gardner J 56 

Hart, Ahmzo . 92 

Hart, Alvin N 59 

Hart, Noah H 22 

Hart, Eodney G 73 

Hcvskin Brotliers 174 

Haskin, M. J 174 

Haskin, Nelson 174 

Hatch, Horace E 77 

Hazen, Dennison E 49 

Heenan, John 109 

Hemingway, I^aac L 145 

Hemingway, Eev James 87 

Hemingway, James ^ 91 

Henjingway, William . . '22 

Henderson, Frederick L 82 



^0 



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^ 



^ *^ 



,> 



CONTENT S— Continued 



Henderson, Jacob S 127 

Henderson, William 125 

Hewitt, William W 41 

Higley, George W^ 54 

Higley, York T 80 

Hilliker, Albert 113 

Hilliker, H. F 42 

H 1168, James 109 

Hiuks, James 113 

Hinman, Hon. Lord W 79 

Hoilge, David 129 

Hodges, James 152 

Hodgson, J. A 91 

Hodscm, J. R 152 

Hollenbeck, Edmund 163 

HoUenbeck, George W 163 

Hollenbeck, Jacob 145 

HoJiinger, Daniel 191 

HoUinshead, William 144 

Hopkins, John 43 

Hosmer, Allen Ill 

Hof"Sack, Duncan 183 

Hongh, B. C 159 

Hongh, Charles D 153 

Hough, E. B 47 

Hough, E. B 178 

Hougb, George O 179 

Hough, John B 76 

Hough, Theodore B 179 

Howard, Edward 158 

Howard, Martin J 80 

Howe, S.W 184 

Howland, Hiram 46 

Howland, William 134 

Howland, Willis 46 

Hughson, E. B 196 

Hungerford, James A 81 

Hunt, Jonathan 178 

Isham, E 126 

Ivory, Elwell 91 

Ivory, John 90 

Ivory, Ruf us 90 

Jackson, W lliam A 79 

Jenkins, James 128 

Jenness, I. N 150 

Jennings, Ward H 77 

Johnson, Andrew 127 

Johnson, Frank M 43 

Johns(m, James H 210 

Johnson, Jeremiah 196 

Johnson, William A 209 

Johnston, Alexander 141 

Johnston, B. F 41 

Jones, George W. 173 

Keeler, James P 190 

Kelch, William, Sr 210 

Kelcb, William. Jr 210 

Kelley, Albert E. , 210 

Kelley, Mark N 125 

Kendrick, Hon. Frank 110 

.Kendrick, George H 112 

Kendrick, J. S 115 

Kendrick Lucius 102 

Kennedy, Jonathan D 201 

Kennett, Charles 44 

Kennett, Charles, Jr 44 

Kenny, Hon. Myron C 78 

Kt^ster, Andrew 195 

Kidder, Samuel 46 

Kingsbury, Andrew L 55 

Kittridge, Ebenezer m 

Kluss. Julius , 92 

Lamb, Elizabeth D '. . . . . 105 

Lamb, Horace , 172 

Lamb, Jacob C 172 

Lamb, John J 172 

Lamb, John Merri t 103 

Lamb, J. Merritt 112 

Lamont, David 127 

Langdon, R. V 191 

Laughlin, William F , no 

Lawrence, Denis G 146 

Lawrence, Eberfc W .', 47 

Lawrence, F. P 126 

Lawrence, Nelson K 210 



Leach, Sela 146 

Learmont, J. W 49 

Lee, Henry 1»^8 

Lee, Hiram 90 

Lee, James H 124 

Lee, Jesse 1 i 7 

Lee. Orrin 128 

Le Valley, Leander 145 

Lewis, Oliver A 114 

Lincoln, Frederick 77 

Lippincott, R. B 190 

Lofffc, William 77 

Louks, William H 55 

Lucas, William 190 

Lunday, Eli 126 

Lyman, A. W 202 

Lvons, H. H 174 

Lsons, Walters 168 

McAlpiue, Jonas 143 

MeCormick, John 190 

McDonald, William 79 

McElroy, Francis 77 

McEntee, W. H 173 

McGarry, Frank 145 

McGillis, Daniel 174 

McGregor, James 128 

Mclntire, Jam^^s 195 

McKillop, Daniel 202 

McKillop, A. B 200 

McKiJlop, Angus 201 

McKillop, Archibald 200 

McLennan, Alexander 80 

McMonagle, Cornelius 46 

McRoy, James 49 

McRoy, Thomas J 49 

Mahaffy, Marshal 118 

Mair, Andrew 128 

Man waring, George R 173 

Manwaring Hon. Joshua 74 

Manwaring, Joseph 112 

Manzer, Seymour A , 79 

Marsden, John 124 

Marshall, Mrs. Olivia A 153 

Marshall, Sardis B 78 

Martin, Hiram B 169 

Martin, Maitland E 48 

Mathews, Samuel 42 

Mathews, William 109 

Maynard, Sanford 106 

Maynard, Washington II5 

Maynard, William 159 

Merrill, Lorenzo 196 

Merrit^. & Balch . . 41 

Merritt, John A 128 

Merritt, W. E [[ 59 

Middaugh, Christopher 202 

Middleditch, Pulaski 183 

Miles, Nelson 77 

Miller, A. B ! ! ! ^ ^ ! ! 183 

Miller, George W , . . , no 

Miller, Hiram C 41 

Miller, J no 

Miller, J. N .' .* .110 

Miller, J. W no 

Miller, William M 152 

Misener, Almon 157 

Mitchell, James 202 

Mitchell, Rev. Lewis 206 

Moore, Hon. Jos. B 76 

Moore, Morris R 135 

Moore, Silas [[[ 135 

More, James 114 

More, James L 127 

More, J. F 191 

Morey, H. R 48 

Morgan, Chancy * ' " ' io9 

Morgan, Francis S .14tQ 

Morgan, William 42 

Morrison, William 42 

Mors, Richard 125 

Morse, Charles F 128 

Morse, George C . . 125 

Morton, Charles .......[. 43 

Morton, Morris . . . 43 

Morton, William D 44 



Moses, Oliver 128 

Miiir, James 47 

Muir, John F 174 

Muir, William 45 

Murnihan, D. H. F 202 

Nelson, Robert 164 

Newton, Francis Ul 

Newton, Isaac Ill 

Oliver, Barney 196 

Oliver, Leonard . 196 

Orr, Daniel ; 191 

Ovens, William 50 

Owen, Harmcm 158 

Palmer, James A 206 

Palmer, James E 127 

Palmer, Joel M 82 

Palmer, John H 79 

Palmer, Robert 154 

Palmer, Thomas 127 

Palmerlee, Asa 55 

Palmerlee, Hoel 55 

Park, William 124 

Parker, Thomas 163 

Parmlee, Virgil S 46 

Paton, Andrew „ 178 

Payne, Richard 152 

Pearson, Ande 202 

Peaslee, Mrs. Julia Ann 129 

Peck, Ira 56 

Peck, Miles G 56 

Pendleton, E. C 206 

Pendleton, Munson 206 

Perkins, Charles W 158 

Perkins H. F 125 

Perkins, James O 127 

Phelps, J. T 114 

Pierce, Philemon 153 

Pierson, Rufus 144 

Pike, H. D 77 

Pike. O. B 55 

Pitcher, A. A 126 

Pitcher, George W 129 

Porter, Albert 126 

Porter, Alvin 126 

Porter, F. S .190 

Porter, John H II4 

Porter, Julius A , 114 

Porter, Mason 126 

Potter, Henry N 134 

Pow^elson, Ebenezer W 135 

Price, F 127 

Price, Mrs. L , 127 

Price, 1 obias 124 

Pringle, John H . 182 

Purdy, Reuben 205 

Quatermass, William 172 

Raymond, Archibald 195 

Read, John 129 

Read, L. H 129 

Read, R. H 54 

Read, Samuel 54 

Redfield, Esli R [ [\[[ 80 

Reed, Nathaniel 126 

Reid, Hulbert 50 

Reid, James 43 

Retherford. L. M 46 

Reynolds, Ira 54 

Reynolds, William 114 

Reynolds, William J 114 

Rich, Hon. John T 135 

Rich, Virtulon 23 

Riches, Thomas Ill 

Riley, Harvey 92 

Riley, Silas F 92 

Roberts, A. M 42 

Rood, Alpheus 56 

Rood, Charles F 174 

Rood, Horace D 158 

Rood, Pierce N 153 

Rook, George. 146 

Ross, Amasa 168 

Ross, David P 45 

Ross, John F 163 

Rossman, Hiram 124 

Ruby, Francis 56 



^\:r 



W 



Kuuiph, Peter 210 

Rupert, J. J.... 113 

Russell, A. C 56 

Russell, George W 152 

Russell, L. J 56 

Ryan, John P 205 

Sage, Edwiu . . , 124 

Sage, Orvil .124 

«age, William .124 

Sanborn, Orville T 45 

Sanborn, Rufus T 92 

Schanck, Henry 110 

Bebenck, GaiTett 48 

Sculley, Edward D 81 

SeJleek, GeorgeM 205 

Seaman, Rev. Henry 201 

Seyfarth, Louis 209 

Sheldon, Clarence L 158 

Shepherd, Alexander 178 

Sherman, Sylvester 143 

Shipp, John 47 

Shipp, Joseph 47 

Shippey, Charles W 189 

Shoemaker, M 49 

Sicklesteel, George 190 

Silsbury, James L 163 

Simon, Joseph Sr 43 

Simmons, David Marvin 145 

Sinclair, Alexander 183 

Skym, William 190 

Slater, Joseph W 159 

Sleeper, David 46 

Sleeper, Stoughton 46 

Smith, C.J 127 

Smith, Cornelius L 196 

Smith, D. P 43 

Smith, Edwin 110 

Smith, Mrs. Fannie Jane 201 

Smith, George L 82 

Smith, Hiram 43 

Smith, I. C 125 

Smith, James P . . .152 

Smith, John O 81 

Smith, Joseph 113 

Smith, Myron B 78 

Smith, Natbaniel 109 

Smith, N'lthanie], Jr 168 

Smith, Philip 43 

Smith, Stephen H 76 

Smith, William C 202 

Smith, William M 168 

Snook, Andrew 92 

Snvder, Myron 134 

Spalding, Charles H 206 

Spears, William 163 

Spencer, Jonathan 201 

Springett, Charles H 49 

Snringett, Thomas 49 

Squier, Ethan 109 

Squier, Rufus 153 

Stephens, A. L 158 

Stephens, Alexander 128 

Stevenson, John 178 

Stevenson, Thomas 127 



Stewart, John 134 

Sticknev, William W 23 

Stiver, Peter 201 

Stocker, D 124 

Stoue,Pavid F 123 

Stone, Mrs. Hannah I 153 

Stroup, C. F 157 

Struble, Lewis Y 152 

Stuart, Benjamin D 177 

Sutter, John. . . 195 

Swain, Robert 110 

Sweet, Joseph C. 195 

Taggart, Roswell 49 

Taggart, Wilhs 168 

Tainter, Benjamin D 129 

Tainter, Loren 129 

Tanner, Edwin J 143 

Taylor, DM 202 

Taylor, Robert L 82 

Taylor, Thomas C 41 

^ Taylor, W. W 42 

Tennant, Rensselaer R 80 

Terry, Benjamin 108 

Terrv, H. H 110 

Thatcher, Charles L 80 

Thickstine, James C 77 

Thomas, Alba 126 

Thomas, Calvin P 82 

Thompson, Arthur H 79 

Thompson, Frank 77 

Thompson, John N 153 

Thompson, O. C 125 

Thompson, Robert 190 

Thomson, Daniel 44 

Topham, WiUiam H 164 

Townsend, Clark 125 

Townsend, Uriel 47 

Tozer, George 195 

Tozer, John 195 

Travis, Austin 129 

Travis, Hiram 129 

Treadway, Joseph 135 

Tripp, H E 173 

Tripp, Holden 114 

Tripp, George C 56 

Tripp, JohnL 56 

Tucker, Matthew B 178 

Tunison, Mahlon C ,.92 

Turrill, George N 78 

Turrill, Hon. James 78 

Tuttle, Benezett A 80 

Tuttle, Columbus 80 

Ulrick, Peter 114 

Ulrick, Peter 114 

Utley, Timothy. . . 113 

Van Antwerp, Abraham 49 

Yandecar, J. H 189 

Van Vranken, James A 143 

Van Wagoner, Milton A 76 

Varnum, Prescott 127 

Varnum, William N 79 

Vincent, Shad. N .^ 73 

Voorhies, Isaac 1 81 

Wadsworth, William R 80 



Wales, C.E .- 50 

Walker, Charles 47 

Walker, David 54 

Walker, Robert B 55 

Walker, Roger T 82 

Walker, Thomas 54 

Walton, J. T 172 

Walton, Sidney Walker 172 

Warner, Matthew 47 

Warren, Andrew 195 

Watkins, John J 82 

Watkins, Newel T. 153 

Watson, Adam 42 

Wattles, D. C 190 

Webster, H. D 73 

Webster, Mrs. Martha 112 

Webster, Milton H. 46 

Webster, W. S 43 

Weed, Dr. A. E 191 

Wells, Igil 45 

Wells, Thurston 210 

Welton, Charles E 174 

West, Daniel 152 

West, Francis M 152 

Weston, H. C 189 

Wheeler, Joseph T 145 

Wheelock, Marquis Lafayette 49 

Whitaker, Ehsha .' 113 

Whitaker, James 113 

White, Chester G 82 

White, Enoch J 82 

White, Henry K 78 

White, Robert A 79 

White, Thomas V 190 

Whitehead, W\ H 49 

Whiting, L. R 190 

Wilber, Clarence G 153 

Wilcox, Lewis 210 

Wilder, B. F 123 

Wilder, RE 123 

Wilder, W 123 

Willey, Abijah 146 

Willey, Seth 146 

Williams, Anthony 153 

Williams, Henry H 44 

Williams, John A .127 

Williams, Leonard 44 

Williams, William B 73 

Wi'son, Henry B 195 

Wilson, J. B 204 

Wilson, John 141 

Wilson, Rev. John B 142 

Winegar, Adam. 124 

Winship, John 134 

Winslow, Joseph 114 

Winslow, Wesley 114 

Winslow% William 153 

Woodruff, Edward T 74 

Woodruff, Rev. Jonathan Alden 74 

Yerex, D. V 174 

Yorker, Charles J 81 

Yorker, Charles L. : 81 

Young, William 153 

Zavits. Nelson ... Ill 



"711 



[^ 



A 



liL 



CONTENT S— Continued. 



II!i,I!AU©^^KJV^^IO]^©. 



Abbott, John 63 

An Early Cottage 27 

Bacon, D. C 107 

Bacon, Emma L 107 

Bacon, D. C, Twin Elms Hotel 107 

Blow, James, Old Homestead 140 

Blow, William H., Sheep Barns 161- 

Bonheur, Bosa 197 

Brigham, Aaron . 85 

Brigham, John 89 

Brigbam, Mrs. John 89 

Bristol, Hheldon 48 

Bristol, Mrs. Sheldon . 48 

Bristol, Sheldon, Kesidence 48 

Brown, Charles W 24 

Brownell, Ellerj A 92 

Buck, William L, Eesidence 164 

Bnllock, Lewis 131 

Carpenter, G. W., Kesidence .98 

Chapman, G. P 57 



Chapman, Mrs. G. P 57 

Chapman, G. P., Residence 179 

Clark, John, Residence 179 

Davenport, George, Residence . , 9o 

Emmons, B. R., Residence 98 

Farnum, R. K., Residence 164 

Gillings, Joshua, Residence 188 

Haddrill,L.J 16 

Hall, Charlotte 113 

Hall, Seth 113 

Hart, A. N 13 

Hart, R. G 73 

Higley, George W 52 

Hilliker, L. L 107 

Hossack, Duncan, Residence 179 

Hough, John B 36 

Lamb, John M 105 

Lamb, Mrs. J. M 105 

Lee, Henry 158 

Lee, eTegse 119 



Lee, Mrs. Jess(5 119 

Loiiks, W. H., Residence 30 

Manwaring, J 77 

Man waring, Mrs. J 77 

Miller, J. N., Residence 140 

Pierson, Ruf us 144 

Porter, Alvin 126 

Prince «fe Charley. 179 

Sanborn, O. T., Farm and Town Residence 30 

Stone, Dr. D. F., Residence 140 

Struble, Lewis Y., Residence 140 

Terry, George B., Residence 188 

Treadway, Joseph 135 

Treadway, Mrs. Joseph 135 

Turrill, James 80 

Vincent, Shad. N 68 

Williams, Anthony 153 

Woodruff, J. A 170 




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HISTORY OF LAPEER COUNTY. 



CHAPTEE I. 

Important General Events. — Indian Treaties. — Immigration Com- 
menced. — Organization, Surveys and Location of Lapeer 
County Seat. 

By an-ordinance of the Congress of the United States, passed 
July 13, 1787, the whole of the territory of the United States, lying 
northwest of the Ohio River, though still occupied by the British, 
was organized as the "Northwest Territory," of which General 
Arthur St. Clair was appointed governor. 

The ordinance of 1787 provides that there shall be appointed, 
from time to time by Congress, a governor, a secretary and three 
judges, who should be residents and freeholders within the territory. 
It further provides that the territory should be divided into not less 
than three nor more than five States, and that "there shall be 
neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said territory, 
otherwise than in the punishment of crimes.^' 

In pursuance of the treaty of November 19th, 1794, Captain 
Porter, in the beginning of June, 1796, with a detachment of 
American troops, took possession of Detroit, entered the fort which 
the British had previously evacuated, and flung to the breeze the 
first American flag that ever floated over the Peninsula State. 

By an act of Congress, approved May 7, 1800, the territory 
northwest of the Ohio River, was divided into two separate terri- 
tories, and "all that part of the territory of the United States, north- 
west of the Ohio River, which lies to the westward of a line begin- 
ning at the Ohio, opposite to the mouth of the Kentucky River, and 
running thence to Fort Recovery, and thence north until it shall in- 
tersect the territorial line between the United States and Canada," 
was constituted a separate territory, to be called the "Indiana Ter- 
ritory," the seat of government of which was established at St. Vin- 
cennes, Chillicothe being the seat of government of the Northwest 
Territory. Of this Territory (Indiana), General William Henry 
Harrison was appointed governor. \ 

By an act of Congress, approved January 11, 1805, it was pro- 
vided, "that from and after the 30th day of June of that year, all 
that part of Indiana Territory, which lies north of a line drawn 
east from the southerly bend, or extreme, of Lake Michigan, until it 
shall intersect Lake Erie, and east of a line drawn from the said 
southerly bend, through the middle of said lake to its northern ex- 
tremity, and thence due north to the northern boundary of the 
United States, shall constitute a separate territory, and be called 
Michigan." 

The act further provides that the territory shall have the same 
form of government as provided by the ordinance of 1787, that the 
governor, secretary and judges shall be appointed by the President 
of the United States, and that Detroit shall be the seat of govern- 
ment. 

On July 1, 1805, General William Hull, the newly appointed 
governor, assumed the duties of his office at Detroit. On the 11th 
of June previous, Detroit had been destroyed by fire. Like most 



of the frontier settlements, it had been compressed within a very 
small compass, — the streets scarcely exceeding the breadth of com- 
mon alleys. General Hull at once turned his attention to the sub- 
ject, and laid out the town in its present shape, the arrangement of 
which is attributed to Judge Woodward, one of the pioneers of the 
Territorial court. 

On the 18th of June, 1812, war was declared by Congress 
against Great Britain. Previous to, and in anticipation of the dec- 
laration of war, General Hull, governor of Michigan Territory, was 
appointed commander-in-chief of all the forces of the Northwest. 

On the 9th of July General Hull received orders from the sec- 
retary of war, to proceed with his army and take possession of 
Maiden, (which was the key to that portion of the British prov- 
inces), if consistent with the safety of his posts. The garrison was 
weak, and seemed an easy conquest. Having arranged for the ex- 
pedition. General Hull crossed the Detroit River on the 19th day of 
July, and encamped at Sandwich, where the army remained in a 
state of inactivity for nearly a month, when, intimidated by the hos- 
tile manifestations of the Indians, and the report that a large British 
force would soon arrive at Maiden, without having made an attack 
he re-crossed the river to Detroit on the 9th day of August, where 
he remained until the 15th, the day of his inglorious surrender. A 
provisional government was established by the British, at Detroit, 
and a small force placed in the fort. On the 10th of September, 
1813, the victory of Commodore Perry, in the battle of Lake Erie, 
resulted in restoring Michigan to the Union, and on the 29th of the 
same month, Detroit was occupied by a detachment of the army of 
General Harrison. 

On October 9th, 1813, Colonel Lewis Cass, who had rendered 
essential service to the territory, was appointed governor of Michi- 
gan. Congress, in 1823, by an act providing for the establishment 
of a legislative council, invested the territory with a more energetic 
and compact government. The council was to consist of nine 
members, to be appointed by the President of the United States, 
with the consent of the Senate, from eighteen candidates elected 
by the people of the Territory. They, with the governor, were in- 
vested with the same powers which had been granted by the ordi- 
nance of 1787 to the government of the Northwest Territory. By 
that act the legislative power of the governor and judges was taken 
away, the term of judicial office was limited to four years, and 
eligibility to office required the same quahfications as the right of 
suffrage. The first legislative council of Michigan convened on 
the 7th of June, 1824, at Detroit. 

In 1831 General Cass having been appointed secretary of war, 
he was succeeded by George B. Porter in the government of the 
Territory. During his administration, Wisconsin, which had 
before been annexed to Michigan, was erected into a separate Ter- 
ritory. 

On the 6th of July, 1834, Governor Porter died, and vv'-as suc- 
ceeded by Stevens T. Mason. 

In the spring of 1835, a controversy arose in regard to the 



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10 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



boundary line between Michigan and Ohio, and the right to a valu- 
ble strip of land, to which both laid claim ; the former under the 
provisions of the ordinance of 1787, and the latter under a pro- 
vision in their State constitution. Each party sent a military force 
to the frontier, — the one to sustain, and the other to extend juris- 
diction over the territory in dispute. A high state of excited public 
feeling existed, but the most serious inconvenience suffered by either 
party was the apprehension and temporary imprisonment of a few 
persons. By an act of Congress, passed June 15, 1836, the Con- 
stitution and State government of Michigan were accepted, and 
upon condition of accepting the boundary claimed by Ohio, she was 
admitted into the Union. These terms were exceedingly unsatis- 
factory to the people of Michigan, who were impatiently ^awaiting 
recognition as a State government, having elected their State officers 
in the month of October of the previous year. A convention held 
at Ann Arbor, on the 14th and 15th of- December, 1836, resolved to 
accept the condition imposed in the proposition of Congress, at 
the same time protesting against the right of Congress, under the 
constitution, to require this preliminary assent as a condition of 
admission into the Union. 

By act of Congress, approved January 26, 1837, Michigan 
was declared "to be one of the United States, andaimitted into the 
Union on an equal footing with the original States, in all respects 
whatever. " 

By an act of the legislature, approved March 16, 1847, the 
seat of government was removed from Detroit to Lansing. 



TREATIES WITH THE INDIANS. 



Before passing from these general events it will be well to no- 
tice the three important treaties with the Indians, by means of 
which settlement was made possible. 

The first treaty of importance, which was made for the extin- 
guishment of the Indian title to the soil of what now comprises the 
state of Michigan, was the one entered into by William Hull, then 
governor of Michigan as a territory, and ex-officio superintendent of 
Indian affairs, with the natives at Detroit, in 1807, when a tract of 
land in the south-eastern part of the State was ceded by them to our 
government. Detroit and a belt of land adjacent to it, lying along 
the river and lake, six miles in width, were not affected by this 
grant, we having before that succeeded to the possessory rights of 
Great Britain to the District of Detroit, so called, which she had held 
for a series of years oo-extensive with the claims of her predecessor, 
France, and which, by the treaty of Greenville, made by General 
Wayne on behalf of our government in 1795, had been reassured to 
and made perfect in us. With that exception, the title to the south- 
easterly part of our State was obtained from the natives by the treaty 
of 1807. 

The northerly line of this grant included only small portions of 
what are now the counties of Lapeer and Genesee, and was a little 
north of their southern boundaries, thus leaving Saginaw Kiverand 
its principal affluents, the Flint, the Cass, etc., entirely unaffected 
by the provision of that treaty. This portion of the State remained 
in Indian possession, with the rights of the natives intact and unaf- 
fected until the treaty of Saginaw of 1819. 

In that treaty the Saginaw region was particularly interested, 
for the cessions of lands then made by the natives, with the reser- 
vations therein provided for, include the rich and flourishing valleys 
of the Saginaw and its tributaries. 

General Cass was commissioned to act as the agent of the gen- 
eral government in securing to it this important addition to our 
territory. He appeared upon the Saginaw, upon the site of what 
is now Saginaw City, September 10, 1819, accompanied by a staff 
of interpreters and assistant. 



The conference lasted ten or twelve days and witnessed many 
stormy scenes, but the terms of treaty were, at length, calmly dis- 
cussed and agreed to. The harmonious adjustment of their dif- 
ferences was reached chiefly through the instrumentality of Stephen 
V. B. Eiley, an Indian trader who married a squaw, and Jacob 
Smith another trader. In the treaty agreed to, the Indians ceded 
to the United States all but 40,000 acres of their territory, reserved 
for the benefit of the tribe in common. 

In 1837 another treaty was made with the Indians, in which 
they ceded to the United States the 40,000 acres belonging to the 
tribe in common. According to the terms of this treaty the govern- 
ment was to cause the land to be surveyed and put into market at 
$5.00 per acre and held at that price for a certain length of time, 
and then what remained unsold should be reduced to a minimum 
of $2.50 per acre and the Indians to receive the avails of the sales 
after deducting the cost of survey and sale and a large amount ad- 
vanced to them with which to pay their debts. 

The chiefs who visited Washington to perfect this sale were , 
0-ge-ma-ke-ga-to, Ton-dog-a-ne, Sha-e-be-no-se, Wos-so, Mose-ga- 
skink, Ma-sha-way and Nau-qua-chic-a-me. The white men were 
Henry 0. Connor, Capt. Joseph F. Marsac and Charles Eodd, a 
half-breed, as interpreters, and Gardner D. and Benjamin 0. Wil- 
liams. 

The result of this visit was that Mr. Schoolcraft was ordered to 
call a meeting at Flint, for the purpose of concluding the treaty, 
which was done. 

The treaty of 1819 was a very important one, as this portion of 
the State was then in Indian possession, and the object of the gov- 
ernment was the cession by the natives of the vast tract in which 
was included the rich and flourishing valleys of the Saginaw^ and its 
tributaries. The chief speaker for the Indians was 0-ge-ma-ke-ga- 
to, and he opposed the proposition of Gen. Cass with indignation . 
Said he : 

"You do not know our wishes. Oiir people wonder what has 
brought you so far from your homes. Your young men have in- 
vited us to come and light the council fire ; we are here to smoke 
the pipe of peace, but not to sell our lands. Our American father 
wants them. Our English father treats us better. He has never 
asked for them. You flock to our shores; our waters grow warm; 
our lands melt like a cake of ice ; our possessions grow smaller and 
smaller. The warm wave of the white man rolls in upon us and 
melts us away. Our women reproach us ; our children want homes. 
Shall we sell from under them the spot where they spread their 
blankets? We have not called you here; we smoke with you the 
pipe of peace.'" 

The treaty was finally made and the Indians returned to their 
lodges. • • 

The Chippewa nation was then comprised of ten or twelve 
bands, each governed by a hereditary chieftain. These chiefs 
formed a council which governed the nation and elected the ruling 
chief annually. 0-ge-ma-ke-ga-to was not a chief by blood, but 
his remarkable intellectual qualities as well as his undaunted cour- 
age, made him a power among his people, and at the early age of 
twenty-five he was a leading spirit. Gen. Cass was surprised at 
the remarkable brain-power of the man, and remarked that he was 
"the smartest and most eloquent Indian he had ever met." His 
administration of the affairs of his people was^o satisfactory that for 
over thirty consecutive years he was annually re-elected to the posi- 
tion of head chief. He never ruled a single band until in the later 
years of his life, when he became chief of the Tittabawassee band, 
to v/hich he belonged. 

His power of oratory made him a great favorite with his people, 
and the fame of 0-ge-ma-ke-ga-to spread far and wide. Subse- 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



11 



quently, at the ratifying of the reservation treaty at Detroit, 
many learned and able lawyers were present, not one of whom, after 
hearing his great speech interpreted, dare to accept his -challenge to 
discuss the questions affecting the Indians' welfare with him. 

After the treaty of Saginaw had been ratified and the Indians 
had become reconciled to the encroachment of the white man, 0-ge- 
ma-ke-ga-to was quite friendly, and, like an honorable man, en- 
deavored to fulfill his obligations to the new comers under the 
treaty. 

IMMIGKATION COMMENCED. 

Prior to the administration of Governor Cass there was a gen- 
eral opinion that the whole peninsula was one vast swamp and 
wholly unfit for cultivation. The commissioners sent out to locate 
bounty lands for soldiers, after visiting Detroit and going a few 
miles west, pronounced the country nothing but morass, and conse- 
quently the bounty lands were located elsewhere. This report re- 
tarded immigration but the ultimate result w^as advantageous, inas- 
much as when the tide of immigration did reach its shores it 
brought thither the better class of population. Gov. Cass procured 
a survey of the territory and a wagon road was laid out from Detroit 
to Chicago. By this means the country was brought into notice 
and its real merits made known. In 1818 some of the public lands 
which had been surveyed, were brought into market and a steady 
flow of immigration began. 

The population of the territory increased from 8,876 in 1820, 
to 31,630 in 1830. 

ORGANIZING COUNTIES. 

Monroe county was organized July 14, 1807; Macomb county, 
Ja.nuary 15, 1818; Oakland county, March 28, 1820; Sti. Clair 
County, May 18, 1821. About this time, as previously mentioned, 
immigration began to increase rapidly, and on September 10, 1822, 
Governor Cass, under the provisions of an act of Congress approved 
July 13, 1787, laid out ten new counties, of which Lapeer was one; 
although there was not, at that time nor for several years afterward, 
a single white inhabitant within its boundaries. 

The proclamation issued by Governor Cass was as follows: 
"And I have also thought it expedient to lay out the following 
county ; that is to say : 

" AU the country included in the following boundaries, beginning 
at the northwest corner of the county of St. Clair, and running 
thence west to the line between the sixth and seventh ranges, east 
of the principal meridian; thence south to the line between the 
townships numbered five and six, north of the base line; thence 
east to the line between the twelfth and thirteenth ranges, east of 
the principal meridian; thence north to the place of beginning; 
shall form a county to be called the county of Lapeer. 

"Given under my hand, at Detroit, this 10th day of Septem- 
ber, in the year of our Lord 1822, and of the Independence of the 
United States the forty -seventh. Lew. Cass." 

It is said that the name "Lapeer" was derived from a French 
word lapier, signifying flint — an idea suggested by the flinty sub- 
stances found along the banks of the Flint Eiver, and for a long 
time was called Lapier, subsequently the i was dropped and e sub- 
stituted; since which time it has been known as Lapeer. 

LOCATING the COUNTY SEAT. 

In 1830 Governor Cass appointed S. T. E. Trowbridge, G. 0. 
Whitmore and Hervey Parkes, the latter a surveyor, and all of Oak- 
land County, commissioners to locate the county site of Lapeer 
County. The commissioners left Pontiac September 14, 1830, 
taking with them one Josiah Terry as guide. They encamped the 
first night on the Whitmore plains about twelve miles south of their 
destination. On the following day, September 15th, they estabhshed 
the county site on the northeast fractional quarter of section 5, 



township 7 north, range 10 east, and thus described in the pro- 
clamation of Governor Cass. A point bearing south forty-six 
degrees thirty minutes west and distant twenty- seven chains from 
the northeast corner of section 5 in town 7 north, of range 10 east, 
and a short distance northwest from the junction of Farmers' 
Creek with Flint Eiver on lands owned by the United States, being 
as near as may be the location of the buildings now occupied by the 
county of Lapeer. After completing their work, the commissioners 
returned to the camp of the day previous, where they spent the 
night, but on awakening the next morning Terry was nowhere to 
be found, and was next heard of in Detroit. 

Terry being in the employ of Judge Leroy, of Pontiac, and the 
records of the United States land office showing Daniel Leroy, of 
Pontiac, as having bought the land aboye described as the county 
site of the embryo county of Lapeer, was a very satisfactory ex- 
planation of his mysterious disappearance. 

COUNTY SURVEY. 

Lapeer County as first laid out contained twenty-seven town- 
ships of land, the boundaries of which have already been described 
in the proclamation of Governor Cass. 

The contract for surveying the country between range 8 east 
and Lake Huron, extending north to Saginaw Bay and south to 
township 6, embracing about eighty townships of land in what 
are now the counties of Saginaw, Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, St. 
Clair, Lapeer and Genesee, had been let to Joseph Wampler, a 
surveyor from Ohio. In the fall of 1822 Wampler had surveyed 
about twenty-four townships, and being completely daunted by the 
hardships of the work, finally abandoned it, leaving the north line 
of township 10 unsurveyed, and returned at once to his home in 
Ohio. It is said he was starved out by the failure of the packmen, 
their sole means of procuring supplies being to make their way 
through swamps where they would be nearly stung to death by 
mosquitoes. 

This work was not resumed till January, 1834, when Hervey 
Parkes, the surveyor who had assisted in laying out the county site 
of Lapeer County, undertook to complete the job, which he finally 
succeeded in doing after encounterin'g terrible hardships. Lapeer, 
which had become quite a little hamlet, was the headquarters of 
the surveying party. The snow was then eighteen inches deep, 
and the streams not yet frozen over. After a few weeks' hard work, 
the first day of which they failed to reach their camp and were 
obliged to remain all night in the woods without supper, tents or 
blankets, they abandoned it for a time. 

During this survey it was no uncommon thing for each man to 
shoulder and carry during the day a pack containing a blanket and 
several days' provisions. Under such toils it is not surprising that 
the men soon becaine exhausted. After six weeks' rest the work 
was resumed, and this time Parkes made three deposits of pro- 
visions; one at Lapeer, another at Mill Creek, and a third at 
Burch's Mill, on Black Eiver, six miles north of Port Huron. 
Here he expected to be able to use pack horses, but was soon 
obliged to send them back to Eomeo and rely entirely on packmen. 
They were at best able to make but three miles a day, often not 
more than two, as much of the way the men would sink to their 
knees at every step in the soft and spongy soil. 

During the survey a packman was lost while returning from 
the deposit Bt Mill Creek, and wandered in the woods until he 
fortunately met a packman returning from the Burch Mill deposit, 
who piloted him into camp, from which he had been absent two 
weeks, having suffered hardships in his aimless wanderings in the 
wilderness. 

They were at last obliged to return home in April and wait 
until autumn to finish their work, when they found the country in 



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12 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



a better state, the water being partially drained from the surface. 
The work was finally completed in February, 1835, and the party 
returned home, more than twelve years having elapsed since 
Wampler began the lines. Messrs. M. B. Smith and E. J. White, 
of Lapeer, were engaged in this survey, and so far as known Mr. 
Smith is the only survivor of the party. 

Mr. Smith, speaking of their experiences, says: "We were 
frequently obHged to lay down poles and pile on them hemlock 
boughs to keep out of the water while we slept. I remember we 
built one camp fire on the earth, covering roots of an overthrown 
hemlock, after driving center poles to scaffold up to the tire. The 
difficulty of transporting provisions caused us to be on short allow- 
ance, and I well remember at one time when our hunger had not 
been satisfied for days, and while estabHshing a corner on the bank 
of Lake Huron a couple of the boys killed a coon when starting 
for camp, and not being able to reach it before night, we roasted 
one-quarter of the coon for our supper and lay down blanketless 
for our night's repose. The remainder of the little animal, wdth 
the last pint of flour at camp, was quickly disposed of on our 
arrival." 



CHAPTEE II. 

LAPEER COUNTY ORGANIZED COUNTY OFFICERS — EARLY ADMINISTRATIVE 

MATTERS TOWNS ORGANIZED — FIRST SETTLEMENT — PERIOD OF THE 

LAND FEVER. 

Lapeer County was organized by an act of the legislative 
council of the territory of Michigan, approved January 20, 1835, 
and reads as follows : 

Section 1. Be it enacted by the Legislative Council of the Territory 
of Michigan, That the county of Lapeer shall be organized from 
and after the taking effect of this act, and the inhabitants thereof 
entitled to all the rights and privileges to which, by law, the in- 
habitants of other counties of this territory are entitled. 

Sec. 2. That aU suits, prosecutions, and other matters now 
pending before any of the courts of record of Oakland County, or 
before any justice of the peace of said county, shall be prosecuted 
to final judgment and execution; and all taxes heretofore levied 
and now due shall be collected in the same manner as though the 
county of Lapeer had not been organized. 

Sec 3. That the circuit court for the county of Lapeer shall 
be holden on the Tuesday next after the third Monday in February, 
and on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in July. 

Sec 4. That the sheriff for the comity of Lapeer shall provide 
a convenient place for holding courts in said county, at or near the 
county seat, until pubhc buildings shall be erected. 

Sec 5. That this act shall take effect and be in force from and 
after the first Monday of February next. 

Approved January 20, 1835. 

There were then three organized townships in the county: 
Grand Blanc, consisting of ihQ four southwestern townships of the 
county, now a part of the county of Genesee, organized March 9, 
1833. Bristol was organized March 7, 1834, comprising townships 
6 and 7 north, of range 12 east, now known as the townships of 
Almont and Imlay. Lapeer Township was organized December 
30, 1834, and comprised all of the county of Lapeer, not included 
in the townships of Bristol and Grand Blanc. 

By the terms of the act under which the county was organized, 
the inhabitants were entitled to all the rights and privileges of the 
dwellers in other counties of the territory. 

The first election of county officers was held on the 7th and 8th 
of November, 1836. There are no records of this election among the 
county records, but in the records of the township of Hadley, which 



was organized March 22, 1836, there is a record of it, and William 
Hemingway and N. H. Hart give the following list of officers elected 
at that time: Sheriff, Samuel Merlin; clerk, Noah H. Hart; 
treasurer, Joseph B. Hart; register, Caleb Carpenter; judge of 
probate, Henry M. Look. 

COUNTY officers. 

County officers elected since that time have been as follows : 

1838: Sheriff, Minor Y. Turrill; treasurer, William Hart; 
clerk, Elijah B. Witherba; register, Wilham S. Higley, Jr. 

1840: Sheriff, John Shafer; treasurer, Horace Hinman; 
clerk, Noah H. Hart; register, William T. Mitchell; probate 
judge. Mason Butts. 

1841: Alanson Porter was elected register to fill vacancy 
caused by removal from the county of William Mitchell. 

1842: Sheriff, David Ingalls; treasurer, Horace Hinman; 
clerk, Augustus G. Pratt; register, M. B. Smith. 

1844: Sheriff, James Bullock; treasurer, Horace Hinman; 
clerk, John W. Day; register, George F. Ball; probate judge, 
James M. Needham. 

1846: Sheriff, Harvey C. Mills; treasurer, Horace Hinman; 
clerk, William Buck; register, George F. Ball; probate judge, 
Alvin N. Hart. 

1848: Sheriff, Garry Goodrich; treasurer, Horace Hinman; 
clerk, William Beech; register, George F. Ball; judge of probate, 
Jacob Van Antwerp. 

1850: Sheriff, Walter P. Beach; treasurer, WiUiam H. Clark, 
clerk, William Beech; register, Eeuben McArthur. 

1852: Sheriff, George W. Eood; treasurer, William H. Clark; 
clerk and register, William Beech ; probate judge, N. B. Eldridge; 
prosecuting attorney, John M. Wattles. 

1854: Sheriff, George W. Eood; treasurer, William H. Clark; 
clerk and register, William Beech; prosecuting attorney, A. C. 
Maxwell. 

1856: Sheriff, James More; treasurer, M. B. Smith; clerk 
and register, Charles Eich; probate judge, Charles Kellogg; pros- 
ecuting attorney, Charles M. Walker. 

1858: Sheriff, James More; treasurer, M. B. Smith; clerk 
and register, Charles Eich; prosecuting attorney, Charles M. 
Walker. 

1860: Sheriff, Samuel Carpenter; treasurer, D. E. Hazen; 
clerk, Hubbell Loomis; register, William Arnold; judge of probate, 
Wesley Vincent; prosecuting attorney, Silas B. Gaskill. 

1862: Sheriff, E. E. Emmons; treasurer, M. B. Smith; clerk, 
Hubbell Loomis ; register, William Arnold ; prosecuting attorney, 
SHas B. Gaskill. 

1864: Sheriff, John B. Sutton; treasurer, William W. Barber; 
clerk, Jasper Bentley; register, U. D. Bristol; 'probate judge, 
Charles Eich; prosecuting attorney, Silas B. Gaskill. 

1866: Sheriff, L. B. Eldridge; treasurer, William W. Barber; 
clerk, Jasper Bentley; register, U. D. Bristol; prosecuting attorney, 
Silas B. Gaskill. 

1868: Sheriff, John B. Sutton; treasurer, WiUiam Arnold; 
clerk, Jasper Bentley; register, U. D. Bristol, probate judge, John 
B. Hough; prosecuting attorney, Stephen V. Thomas. 

1870: Sheriff, Alonzo S. Hatch; treasurer, Orville 0. Morse; 
clerk, Jasper Bentley; register, John Abbott ; prosecuting attorney, 
William W. Stickney. 

1872: Sheriff, U. D. Bristol; treasurer, Orville 0. Morse; 
clerk, Jasper Bentley; register, Eobert L. Taylor; prosecuting 
attorney, Joseph B. Moore. 

1874: Sheriff,- Alonzo S. Hatch; treasurer, Orville 0. Morse; 
clerk, Jasper Bentley; register, Eobert L. Taylor; prosecuting 
attorney, Joseph B. Moore. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



13 



1876.: Sheriff, William Townsend; treasurer, Henry Lee; 
clerk, Henry A. Birdsall; register, Charles W. Ballard; probate 
judge, John B. Hough; prosecuting attorney, Harrison Geer. 

1878: Sheriff, William Townsend; treasurer, Henry Lee; 
clerk, Henry A. Birdsall; register, Charles W. Ballard; prosecuting 
attorney, Harrison Geer. 

1880: Sheriff, William Colerick; treasurer, WilHam B. 
Hamilton; clerk, Henry A. Birdsall; register, Edward T. Wood- 
ruff; probate judge, Charles W. Brown; prosecuting attorney, 
Eobert L. Taylor. 

1882: Sheriff, William Colerick; treasurer, William B. Hamil- 
ton; clerk, Henry A. Birdsall; register, Edward T. Woodruff; 
prosecuting attorney, William B. Williams. 

The earhest records in the clerk's office are dated 1838. The 
election of that year was held November 13 and 14, for the inhab- 
itants were so scattered and there being no roads, it was deemed 
necessary to keep the polls open for two days. A law had been 
passed in the meantime vesting the powers hitherto held by the 
board of supervisors in a board of three county commissioners, one 
of which was to be elected at each annual election. At the first 
election of course three were to be elected for one, two and three 
years respectively. That law was long since repealed and the 
power returned to the board of supervisors. 

In the winter of 1835-'36 the first board of supervisors for 
Lapeer County met at the county seat. There were but two mem- 
bers, Caleb Carpenter, of Bristol, and J. E. White, of Lapeer. 

The first meeting of supervisors of which there is any record 
in the clerk's office was held on the first Monday in July, 1842, and 
ten towns were represented. At this session of the board the total 
equalized valuation of the real and personal property of the 
county was determined to be $500,824.88. The aggregate State 
and county tax was $4,085.41. 

COURT-HOUSE. 

The years between 1835 and 1840 brought a wonderful increase 
of population to this county, mostly an excellent class of people, 
as regards intelligence and good morals, ^and natives of New Eng- 
land and eastern New York, as firm and as unbending as their 
own granite hills. Being of this description it is not surprising 
that various feuds and parties arose, and animosities were kindled, 
which it was the work of many years to subdue. The most serious 
of these was what has been styled " the court-house war." The first 
court-house built in the county was destroyed by fire before it was en- 
tirely finished. It was located at the lower end of the town, a little 
north and east of the present building. The citizens at the upper 
part of the town were very anxious to secure the court-house site, 
and many hard things were said on both sides. When the first 
court-house was burned it was thought by some to have been the 
work of an incendiary. A court-house however was a prime necessity, 
and both factions made a most determined effort to secure the cov- 
eted building. Hon. A. N. Hart built the house now used by the 
county, at an expense of $10,000, which was really a beautiful 
building for the times. The White brothers built a plainer one 
about 1840 on the site of the present high school building. After a 
bitter struggle, Mr. Hart's building was accepted by the board of 
supervisors, at a cost to the county of about $3,000, greatly to the 
chagrin of Messrs. White, but really they had done a better work 
for ihe county than Mr. Hart. Their house had a beautiful loca- 
tion and SCK>n became known as the Lapeer Academy building. In 
1862 0$ .1868 it became the property of the district and for the next 
twelve years was the high school building of the city. The district 
retained the sitdj. and when the old building became unfit for use it 
was replaced by th# present elegant and commodious structure. 
Thus good finally resulted from the acrimonious contest. 



TOWNSHIPS ORGANIZED. 



Grand Blanc. — The first township organized was Grand Blanc, 
March 9, 1833; composed of townships 6, 7 and 8 north, in range 7 
east, and townships 6 and 7 north, in range 8 east. The first town- 
ship meeting was held at the house of Eufus Stevens. 

Mia. — The second township organized in the county was Mia, 
March 7, 1834; composed of townships 6 and 7 in range 12 east. 
The first township meeting held at the house of Daniel Black. 
Dec. 12, 1834, the name Mia changed to Bristol. April 7, 1846, 
the name Bristol changed to Almont. 

Lapeer. — Dec. 30, 1834, the township of Lapeer was organized, 
including all of the county of Lapeer, not included in the townships 
of Grand Blanc and Bristol. First township meeting held at house 
of E. H. Higley. Previous to this the inhabitants of this extensive 
tract of country were obliged to go to Pontiac to pay taxes and at- 
tend to all judicial business. 

Atlas.— March 22, 1836, the township of Atlas was organized, 
embracing township 6 and the south half of township 7 north, in 
range 8 east. The first township meeting held at Davison's mills. 

Hadley. — March 22, 1836, the township of Hadley was organ- 
ized, embracing township 6 north, range 9 east, and township 6 
north, range 10 east. The first township meeting held at the house 
of Timothy Wheeler. 

Territory attached to the county of Lapeer and made a part of 
the township of Lapeer. March 28, 1836, that part of the United 
States survey, lying north of the county of Lapeer, designated as 
the townships in ranges 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 east, now the county 
of Tuscola, was attached to the county of Lapeer for judicial pur- 
poses, and was attached to and made a part of the township of 
Lapeer. 

Eichfield. — March 11, 1837, all that portion of the United 
States survey, designated as the north half of township 7 and town- 
ship 8 north, in range 8 east, was organized as the township of 
Eichfield. The first township meeting held at the house of Draper 
and Witherbee. 

Lomond. — March 11, 1837, township 6 north, range 11 east, 
and township 7 north, range 11 east, were organized as the town- 
ship of Lomond. First township meeting held at the house of 
Daniel Smith. Dunham. — April 2, 1838, the name Lomond 
changed to Dunham. Dryden. — April 3, 1839, the name Dunham 
changed to Dryden. 

Metamora. — April 2, 1838, township 6 north, range 10 east, 
detached from the township of Hadley and organized as the town- 
ship of Metamora. First township meeting held at the house of 
Tobias Price. 

Elba. — April 2, 1838, township 7 north, range 9 east, was 
detached from the township of Lapeer and organized as the town- 
ship of Elba. First township meeting held at the house of Wm. S. 
Bird. 

Marathon. — March 22, 1839, all that part of the township of 
Lapeer designated as townships 8 and 9 north, range 9 east and 
township 9 north, range 10 east, was organized as the township of 
Marathon. The first township meeting was held at the house of 
Abijah Willey. 

Davison. — March 19, 1840, township 7 north, range 8 east, 
was detached from the townships of Atlas and Eichfield and organ- 
ized as the township of Davison. The first township meeting was 
held at the house of G. Townsend. 

Attica. — Feb. 16, 1842, township 7 north range 11 east, was 
detached from the township of Dryden and organized as the town- 
ship of Attica. First township meeting held at the school-house 
near John B. Henderson's. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEBE COUNTY 



Forest.— March 9, 1843, township 9 north and south half of 
township 10 north, range 8 east, and south half of township 10 north, |^ 
range 7 east, was organized as the township of Forest. First town- 
ship meeting of Forest held at the house of Stephen Beagle. 

Mayfield.— March 9, 1843, township 8 north, range 10 east, 
was organized as the township of Mayfield. First township meet- 
ing held at the school-house near Martin Stiles'. March 15, 1849, 
the township of Mayfield was attached to and made a part of the 
township of Lapeer. March 13, 1869, township 8 north, range 10 
east, except that portion included in the hmits of the city of Lapeer, 
was again organized as the tow^nship of Mayfield. First township 
meeting held at the school-house near Christopher Farnsw^orth's. 

Oregon. — March 25,1846, township 8 north, range 9 east, was 
detached from the township of Marathon, and organized as the 
township of Oregon. First township meeting held at the house of 
William Skinner. 

Imlay. — March 25, 1850, to^vnship 7 north, range 12 east and 
township 8 north, of range 12 east, were detached from the town- 
ships of Almont and Lapeer and organized as the township of 
Imlay. First township meeting held at the house of Joseph 
Deneen. 

GooDLAND. — Feb. 12, 1855, township 8 north, range 12 east, 
was detached from Imlay and organized as the towaiship of Good- 
land. First township meeting held at the house of Calvin C. 
Symons. 

Alison. — Feb. 13, 1855, township 9 north, and south half of 
township 10 north, range 12 east, were organized as the tow^nship 
of Alison. First township meeting held at the house of William 
Brown. Burnside. — March 17, 1863, the name Alison changed to 
Burn side. 

North Branch. — Dec. 18, 1855, township 9 north, range 11 
east, w^as orgtinized as the tow^nship of North Branch, by the board 
of supervisors. First township meeting held at the house of 
Kichard Beech, the pioneer of the' township. Inspectors of election, 
James Deming, Eichard Beech and David C. Wattles. 

Deerfield. — Dec. 18, 1855, townships 9 and 10 north, range 
10 east, w^ere organized as the township of Deerfield. First 
township meeting held at the house of Lorenzo Merrill. Inspectors 
of election, Lorenzo Merrill, Leonard Oliver and Martin Hoffman. 

Burlington. — Dec. 18, 1855, township 10 north, range 11 east, 
was organized as the township of Burlington. First township 
meeting held at the house of Edward Spencer. Inspectors of elec- 
tion, Edward Spencer, Henry BedeU and William Kettle. 

Arcadia. — Oct. 15, 1856, township 8 north, range 11 east, w^as 
organized as the township of Arcadia. First township me'eting 
held at the house of William ShotweU. Inspectors of election, John 
B. Wilson, Joseph Wager and Samuel Fitch. 

Rich. — Dec. 1, 1859, township 10 north, range 10 east, was 
detached from the township of Deerfield and organized as the town- 
ship of Rich. The first township meeting was held at the house of 
James Miles. Inspectors of election, Simeon Crawford, Horace 
Fox and James Miles. 

This completes the organization of the townships. Of these 
Grand Blanc, Atlas, Davison, Richfield and Forest now form a part 
of the county of Genesee, and township 10 north, range 9 east, once 
a part of the county of Lapeer, is now the township of Watertown, 
Tuscola County. 

FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY. 

The first entry of land in the county was by Calvin C. Parks, 
and John K. Smith, of Oakland County, Michigan Territory, Dec. 12, 
1825, the east half of northeast quarter of section 32, township 7 
north, of range 12 east, now known as Imlay. The next entries 
were made by Lydia E. L. Chamberlain and Diana Kittridge, both 



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of Macomb County, Feb. 15, 1828, and May 27, 1828, respectively, 
both locating lands in township 6 north, of range 12 east, now 
know^ as Almont. None of these persons how^ever became actual 
settlers. 

The honor of being the first settler of the county belongs to 
James Deneen, from Trumbull County, Ohio, who located 80 acres^ 
the west half of the northeast quarter section 9, towmship 6 north, 
of range 12 east, and removed there wuth his family in the autumn 
of 1828. For tw^o years he was there alone, but in 1830 he was 
joined by Jonathan Sleeper, the brothers Ohver and Bezaleel Bris- 
tol, and Elijah Sanborn, who settled in the same township. Al- 
mont is therefore the oldest settled town in the county. 

PERIOD OF THE LAND FEVER. 

The years from 1833 to 1838 may probably be set down as 
the time w4ien, more than in any number of corresponding years 
during the present century, occurred the greatest immigration from 
the Eastern to the Western States and Territories. It is safe to say 
that Michigan more than doubled her population during that brief 
period. 

The wdnding trails have disappeared, save here and there they 
may be traced through the groves of timber, and the broad high- 
ways have taken their place. The pioneer's log house has been re- 
placed by others more commodious, ornamental and convenient. 
Villages have sprung up, and many of them grown into cities; rail- 
roads have traversed the country and spanned a continent. War 
has visited its destruction upon our fair land, and a race of people 
have been converted from slaves to freemen. Many of those who 
brought civilization to this county now" sleep with the fathers, but 
their children are honoring tlieir parentage in their w^ays and 
w^orks. 

By 1836 the spirit of land speculation, that had been rising for 
some time in the country, had reached its highest pitch. After 
General Jackson, in 1833, caused the deposit of the surplus revenue 
of the United States to be witheld from the old United States Bank 
and deposited with the State banks, large amounts accumulated in 
the vaults of the latter, which President Jackson encouraged the 
banks to loan to individuals by saying that it was by means of the 
trade of the merchants in paying the import duties on their mer- 
chandise into the treasury that the money had accumulated, and it 
w^as no more than right that they should have the use of the money 
to facilitate the operations of their business. But by this hint to 
the banks they were not particular as to the business which the 
parties were engaged in who desired loans, and almost any one who 
was thought shrew-d enough to make a good speculation by invest- 
ing money, could obtain a loan. After the money w^as borrowed 
the point w^as to make a profitable investment of it, and nothing 
looked more attractive than the virgin soil of the West, where 
Uncle Sam possessed millions of broad acres which he could dis- 
pose of in parcels of forty acres, or in other subdivisions of sections, 
at the rate of $1.25 per acre. Michigan was then considered the 
El Dorado of the West. A heavy emigration from New York and 
the New England States had for three or four years previously, di- 
rected its course to the beautiful peninsula, so that at about the 
year 1836, parties having money to invest thought it beyond a 
doubt that if they should forestall those immigrants and purchase 
the land from the United States, they w^ould receive a large advance 
from those who wished to make actual settlement. In view of the 
above mentioned facts it w^as not likely that those speculators in 
casting their eyes over the map of Michigan for a place "^liak^ 
their investments, would overlook that part of the Stat^ where th© 
deep indentation of the Saginaw penetrates the heart of the panin- 
sula and the branches of the broad river spread out ia every 
direction hke the branches of an enormous tree, the base of which 



X 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



16 



is the medium through which the sap flows, as the outlet of the 
river is for the trade and commerce of a large portion of northern 
Michigan. Lapeer County, lying upon the margin of the Saginaw 
Valley, was proportionately affected with the balance of the 
Territory. 

In the fall of 1836 the land office was removed from Detroit 
te FHnt. The office of the register while at Detroit was situated on 
Jefferson Avenue, just above the Biddle House, and so great was 
the rush for land in business hours, that parties wishing to locate 
lands formed themselves into lino and awaited their turn to present 
their minutes; but a favored few found access by way of the back 
door or through a window, and would get their locations secured 
ahead of the crowd. Looking land and furnishing minutes was a 
lucrative business and furnished employment to many of the early 
settlers. The description of the land selected was usually kept a 
secret until it was located at the office. Some parties coming from 
the East were not so cautious and would generally find when they 
went to the office to locate their lands that it had already been 
selected. 

After the land office w^as removed to Flint that place was 
thronged with speculators. Purchases of government lands were 
made with gold and silver. " Bill Gifford " kept a small hotel at 
FHnt, and during the autumn of that year there were nights, when, 
it is said, more than |40,000 in specie was lying in different parts 
of the house, which had been brought by guests, who were waiting 
their turn to do business at the land office. 

The great financial panic of 1837 most effectually put a check 
upon the general movement westward, and the wildcat and safety- 
fund period of 1838 was the culmination of a series of events that 
brought distress and ruin upon thousands of business men, and con- 
sequent hardships, want and distress, upon all the inhabitants of 
the land, which has had no parallel during the present century, with 
the exception of the time of the rebeUion. With all these calami- 
ties and hardships incident thereto, did the early settlers have to 
contend, and most heroically did they overcome, as an evidence of 
which the present prosperous condition of the county bears abun- 
dant and conclusive testimony. 

DESCKIPTIVE. 

Lapeer County is bounded on the north by Tuscola and Sani- 
lac, on the east by Sanilac and St. Clair, on the south by Macomb 
and Oakland, and on the west by Genesee and Tuscola. It has an 
area of Q^Q square miles, and had, in 1880, a population of 30,188. 
Lapeer, a city of 3,000 inhabitants, is the county seat. The sur- 
face of the county is quite roUing, with very Httle swamp land. It 
is well watered by rivers and spring brooks. There is little avail- 
able water powder except for Hght work. The principal stream is 
the FHnt Kiver. There are a large number of small lakes and vari- 
ous creeks scattered over the country. 

The soil varies in the different townships from a sandy loam to 
a clay loam. The subsoil is invariably clay. The prevailing varie- 
ties of timber are beech, maple, ash, hickory, elm and walnut. 

The principal crops are winter wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, 
clover and timothy. Apples, pears, plums and grapes succeed well ; 
peaches only in favorable localities, and in favorable seasons. The 
small fruits and berries grow in abundance, and good markets are 
found at the railroad stations for all the surplus fruit. The cost of 
clearing averages from f 3 to $15 per acre, according as the timber 
has been burned off, with a good wood market at the mills and 
machine shops in Lapeer, and along the line of the railroad. 
There are no government or State lands of any value in the market. 

There is considerable unimproved land, with the pine and oak 
cut off, which can be had at from $5 to $15 per acre. The soil is 
of good quality, well adapted to agriculture. The "stump lands" 



also have a good soil, and are rapidly being taken up. Improved 
farms range in price from |20 to |80 per acre. 

There are three State roads running north and south ; one from 
Imlay City to the forks of Cass Eiver, one from Attica to Cass 
Eiver, and one from Lapeer to Lexington, via North Branch. The 
county roads are generally in a good condition. 

Snow falls in November, but no sleighing is looked for before 
Christmas. The average depth is about a foot. When the fall of 
snow is hght, the ground freezes to an average depth of two feet. 
Spring plowing begins from the 20th of March to the 1st of AprU. 

The schools and school huildings of Lapeer County are all 
good. Agriculture is the principal industry, though lumbering, 
charcoal burning, and the getting out of ties, posts and telegraph 
poles, is carried on to a considerable extent. 

Labor is in fair demand, particularly on farms during the sum- .- 
mer season. Farm labor brings from $16 to $20 per month with 
board. From $20 to $26 per month is paid in the lumber camps. 

The Chicago & Grand Trunk, the Detroit & Bay City, its 
branch to Five Lakes, the Almont branch of the Port Huron & 
Northwestern, and the Pontiac, Oxford & Port Austin Eailroads 
enter the county at different points. The Otter Lake extension of 
the Flint & Pere Marquette, and the Port Huron & North- 
western, also touch the borders of the county, hence the farmer can 
find good markets in any direction, for anything he may have for 
sale. 

The numerous railroad facilities found within the borders of 
this county offer special advantages to many kinds of manufacturing 
enterprises, and there is every prospect that Lapeer will have its full 
quota of factories at no distant date. 



CHAPTER III. 



PIONEEE LIFE PIONEER 



PIONEER PICTURES GOVERNOR BAGLEY ON 

WOMANHOOD THE VILLAGE, ETC. 

The pioneers were not adventurers, but seekers after homes, 
and comforts for their famihes. Their endurance of present hard- 
ships was strengthened by hopes of future rewards. 

Back in their home amid pleasant surroundings and social 
privileges in some Eastern State or in one of the older counties of 
Michigan, husband and wife have debated earnestly and long the 
question of seeking a home in some new country where land was 
cheap. Late at night while the children slumbered and the babe 
worried in its mother's arms, the anxious parents weighed the hard- 
ships and privations, and the chances for home and comforts in the 
future. Often they traced upon the map the line of journey to 
some fancied spot. It was far into the forest, and as they pictured 
to themselves the pinched cabin in a little clearing, they could 
almost feel the loneliness which enveloped it. But while their gaze 
was fixed upon the painted section the mists of the future cleared 
away, the clearing expanded, vines crept up the cabin walls, and 
flowers sprang up about the door; a garden shaped itself beside the 
house and grain tops waved above the stumps; the forest river ex- 
panded and the fields grew cleaner, and then a cottage came 
between them and the pile of logs; into view came other farms and 
homes, the school-house and the church, and just beyond, the vil- 
lage with its active life. Thus they saw the picture that fancy 
drew, and eacli knew that the question was settled with the other. 

In his dreams he hurls the ghttering ax deep into the monarchs 
of the woods, and his slumbers are disturbed by the crash of falling 
trees. In her dreams she moves about the pictured cabin adding 
touches here and there, and sighs an accompaniment as she thinks 
of the sacrifice involved. 

The shadows are beginning to deepen in the thick woods, and 



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16 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



the family of immigralats come to a bait in front of a cabin tbat is 
hedged about with stumps in the cramped clearing. The jaded 
oxen sink wearily upon their sides; the husband leans upon his ax 
and looks inquiringly at his wife whose tired gaze is fixed upon the 
cabin. Both are too much exhausted to talk or to analyze their 
feehngs and see if the feehng that oppresses them is weariness or 
sadness. 

The wagon contains a motley aggregation. There is a stove, 
beds, a barrel of pork and another of flour, some boxes, and a few 
small articles that will be needed in the household. Upon an ex- 
temporized seat sits the wife and mother holding a babe in her 
arms, and the boy has clambered down to make an examination of 
the place. 

The journey has been a wearisome one. He has cut out the 
the road with his ax, and ever and anon has had to lift and pry his 
load out of the "cat holes" which were frequent along the way. 

He has been here before to chop the little clearing and prepare 
a shelter for his wife and little ones when they should come. Now 
they make such few preparations as are necessary for the night and 
then rest themselves until the morrow, when a new era of life will 
begin. 

Sometimes the journey has not been made as easily even as 
this one. Eeminiscence is crowded with mishaps and trying 
situations through which pioneer families had to pass. Perhaps., 
as has been the case, the mud was deep, the heat intense and flies 
vicious beyond description. At last when completely exhausted the 
oxen sink upon the ground unable to proceed, and the immigrants 
are stalled in the woods five miles from their destination. Leaving 
the team and load in the path and turning loose the cow that was 
tied behind the v/agon, the husband takes the babe in his arms and 
continues the journey on foot followed by his wife. Somehow they 
reach the end of their journey, and a night's rest is the only tonic or 
liniment needed or used as a restorative. 

The shanty has not always been built in advance, and tem- 
porary shelter is provided until one can be built. The wagon is 
capable of being made serviceable in many ways, bowers are made, 
or the shanty of a settler already on the ground, is made literally fco 
swarm with the numerous families that seek shelter beneafch its 
hospitable roof, for the door of a settler's cabin was never closed 
against a new comer while there was room upon the floor for 
another bunk. 

House building was a simple job and soon accomplished. A 
few boards or logs hastily put together, some sort of covering for a 
roof, a blanket for a door, a sheet for window, and temporary 
quarters were provided. 

Once settled in their pioneer home, no matter how rude, the 
battle of life in the mlderness began, and as a rule was successfully 
waged. Privations and hardships were the rule rather than the 
exception. Provisions were scant even amidst the greatest plenty, 
for markets were far away and money scarce. In one cabin 
potatoes and salt have been the diet for weeks at a time; in another, 
sifted bran has been Jibe only food the larder could produce, still 
other famihes have subsisted on berries and milk, or possibly only 
berries composed the biU of fare. But there was sunlight beaming 
through the rifts of clouds, and life had more of brightness than 
of gloom. Every family knew their neighbor and the neighborhood 
was not circumscribed by boundaries. They knew aU about the 
settlers in the next township, whence and why they came, the 
amount of money in each purse, and the quantity of provisions in 
each store, and no matter how low the flour in the barrel or the 
potatoes in the heap, enough always remained to divide until all 
were gone. 

These were months of the hardest toil, but this was not a con- 



sideration with them, and they performed it with a relish. Every 
tree that fell crashing to the ground echoing and re-echoing among 
the pillars of God's temple, saluted their ears with music; every log 
heap, which, in the shades of night, sent a gleam of light through 
the dark forest, sent also a bright ray of hope to their hearts, and 
every clearing large enough to admit God's sunlight through to 
bathe the original soil gave to them an earnest of the harvest that, 
in time to come, should gladden their hearts and richly reward them 
for their labors. 

And so the clearing widened and bloomed ; vines crept up and 
covered the cabin ; flowers blossomed here and there, and slowly but 
surely the picture of their dreams was being brought out in more 
lasting colors, by these sturdy artists of the wilds. 

As farms multiplied the neighborhood grew smaller, and com- 
munities formed. Along the forest paths came the itinerant 
preacher and religious worship was estabhshed. Some morning 
the chorus of children's voices about an abandoned shanty an- 
nounced the opening of the first school. Interests and duties mul- 
tiplied, the wilderness is pushed into the distance, and pioneer life 
has become a reminiscence of the past. 

GOVERNOR BAGLEY ON PIONEER LIFE. 

The late Governor Bagley, who was himself a pioneer, once 
drew the following excellent picture of pioneer life: * 'We find in 
the dictionary the word pioneer means to go before — prepare the 
way for. The noun pioneer meant originally a foot soldier or a foot 
passenger — one who goes before to remove obstructions or prepare 
the way for others. How fully we who have been pioneers appre- 
ciate and understand these technical definitions of the word, and 
yet how incomplete and imperfect they are. Foot passengers, 
indeed, we were. It was easier to walk than to ride; but whether 
it was or not, we walked. The few household goods we owned — 
the spinning wheel and the oven — filled the wagon, and mother 
and the children chinked into the spare places, and we and the dog 
walked. Preparers of the way, indeed, were we. The roads we 
built, the log bridges we threw across the streams we did not 
destroy, but left for those who were to come after us. The pioneer 
was unselfish. He cared not whether friend or foe was behind 
him; if he could make his way any more easy he was glad of it.- 
He felt he was in partnership with the world — *a fellow feeling 
made him wondrous kind.' He was the advance guard of an 
army — countless in numbers, irresistible in its power, — an army 
that knew no such word as fail, and listened to no order for retreat. 

The pioneer was the child of progress. He looked up, and not 
down; forward, and not back. Behind was the past; before him 
the future. He felt that the wise men came from the East, and 
took courage. The needle of his compass always pointed westward, 
and he followed it. 

Our pioneer dreamed dreams and saw visions. He dreamed of 
the old home on the hillsides of New England, or the quiet vaUeys 
of New York; of gray-haired father and mother, watching from the 
low doorway the departing children, or, perchance, sleeping in the 
village church-yard ; perhaps of smaller green mounds covering his 
John or Kate; or of the country church, where theologic dust, 
knocked from the pulpit cushion in the good old orthodox way, had 
so often closed his eyes and ears on drowsy Sunday afternoons; or 
of the spelling-bee or singing school, where he first met the country 
lass, 

*Who, tying her bonnet under her chin, 
Hid tied the young man's heart within,' 
and kept it tied forever after. 

**His dreams were of the yesterdays —his visions were of to- 
morrow. He foresaw hard work and hard times, back-ache and 
heart-ache, blue days and weary nights; but he saw, too, in the 






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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



17 



dim future, the town, the village, the city, the county, the State, 
an empire of itself; he saw schools and churches, factories and 
fertile fields, institutions of science and learning; he saw capital 
and labor, brain and body, mind and muscle, all employed in the 
advancement of civilization and the permanent improvement of 
mankind. And of all this he was to be a part and parcel. What 
visions were these! Do you wonder that the pioneer was brave, 
cheerful and faithful? 

**Though his visions were grand, the realization is grander 
still. He builded better than he knew, but with abundant faith in 
the future, adopted as the motto of the State, 'Si qimris peninm- 
lanif amimiam circumspice — (If thou seekest a beautiful peninsula, 
behold it here),' — and, thanks to his right arm and courageous 
heart, we do behold it, covered with quiet villages, thriving cities, 
fruitful fields, and blooming orchards, dotted all over with schools 
and colleges, churches and pubhc institutions, that tell the story of 
a civilization, grand in its conception and mighty in its progress. 
This is the handiwork of the pioneer, the ripened crop of the white- 
covered wagon. 

*'We look back to the old times as hard times, and so they 
were; full hearts and empty purses, hard work and plenty of it, 
shivering ague and wasting fever, were the common lot of our early 
settlers, yet they had their share of good times too, and were free 
from many a plague that annoys their children. 

*'Hard money and soft money were not debatable questions. 
You may remember the story of the man who, when he heard that 
the bank of Constantino had failed, said his heart came into his 
mouth when he heard of it, and he rushed home and to the bureau 
drawer, when he found he hadn't any Constantine money, or any 
other sort. He was a pioneer. 

''Butter and eggs were pin-money; wheat paid the store-keeper; 
sled- length, knotty wood, that wouldn't make fence rails, paid the 
miniBter, while an occasional pig, or a grist of corn or wheat paid 
the doctor. Trade was the order of the day, — the necessity of the 
time. And so we traded, and dickered, and swapped, exchanging 
products and helping one another; and while in the outside world 
bankers talked of stocks and values, politicians quarreled over 
tariffs and free trade, and statesmen wrote of the laws of trade, of 
corporations, monopolies, finances, etc., somehow or other, in our 
trading and dickering, we managed to grow a little better off from 
year to year. 

* 'Quarrelsome school meetings were unknown in those days. 
We never fought over tlie question of whether we should build a 
three-story school-house with a basement, or a four-story one with- 
out; or whether we should put a cupola or a mortgage upon it. We 
built our log school-house, set the teacher at work, and boarded 
him round the neighborhood. The religious life of the pioneer was 
free of sectarianism. The itinerant minister doing his Master's 
work was always welcome to home and hearth- stone. The school- 
house was open to him, regardless of his creed. He baptized, and 
buried, and married, and asked no questions, and got but few fees. 

"The different schools of medicine let the pioneer kindly 
alone. The boneset and wormwood, pennyroyal and catnip that 
hung on the chimney-breast, or on the rafters in the roof, were 
commonly enough; but if not, when we called in the hard-worked, 
poorly-clad, yet patient and jolly doctor, we did not question his 
"pathy" or his diploma. It may have been parchment or paper, 
from a college on earth, or in no-man's land, but we were sure his 
piUs would be big enough, and that we could safely trust his jalap 
and cream of tarter, his calomel and quinine. 

"Questions of domestic economy and home discipline, that do 
worry the best of us nowadays, gave the pioneer but little trouble. 



No dispute could be gotten up over the pattern of the parlor carpet, 
for they hadn't any, or, if they had, it was of rags. 

"The fashion plates did not reach the woods in those days, and 
Jane's bonnet and Charlie's coat were worn, regardless of style, till 
they were worn out, and then they were made over for the younger 
cliildren. Who called first, and who called last, and who owed 
calls, were not debatable questions with our mothers; they visited 
when they had time and wanted to, and when they didn't they 
stayed at home. 

"Insurance agents did not worry the pioneer, — his log house 
was fireproof. Patent-right peddlers haunted him not, for necessity 
made him his own inventor. Lightning-rod agents, smooth-tongued 
and oily, let him alone, as Hghtning had no terrors for him. The 
jaunty, affable sewing machine man had not been born to trouble the 
soul of our mothers. 

"Mellifluous melodeons were not set up in the parlor on trial. 
The robins and frogs, the orioles and the owls made music enough 
for him. 

"The height and color, the architecture and structure of the 
first house gave us no uneasiness. It was built of logs any way. 
If we were inchned to be extravagant, we painted the door and 
window-casings red, making the paint of buttermilk and brick 
dust. The pathway to the gate was lined with pinks and four- 
o'clocks, sweet-williams, and larkspur, — Latin names for American 
flowers had not been invented then. Hollyhocks and sunflowers 
lifted their stately heads at either end of the house; morning-glories 
climbed gracefully over the two front windows, and the hop vine, 
with its drooping bells, crept quietly over the door. 

"The patent pump or rattling wind-mill were as yet unknown; 
the well-sweep lifted its awkward hand as if beckoning one to 
quench his thirst from 'the old oaken bucket that hung in the 
well.' 

"On questions of public policy the pioneer had decided 
opinions. His New England or New York education had fixed 
these firm and unchangeable, and the partisans of Jackson and 
Clay, Van Buren ana Harrison, argued their respective merits and 
demerits as warmly as we do to-day. But office-seekers were 
scarce and office-holders scarcer, though they existed then, as now, 
a sort of necessary evil. 

"One of the most prominent characteristics of the old time 
was the universal hospitality and helpfulness that abounded every- 
where. The latch-string ran through the door. The belated 
traveler was sure of rest at the first house. Everybody was ready 
to help in case of accident to wagon or cattle. 'Lend a hand' was 
the motto of the pioneer. Teams were hitched together for break- 
ing up ; in harvest time, the neighbors cradled and raked and bound 
for each other; when one went to the mill he went for the neighbor- 
hood; logging-bees and husking-bees, quilting-bees and raisings 
were play-spells. We boast, and very justly, too, of all that machinery 
has done for us, and especially in the field of agriculture ; but has it 
ever occurred to you how much it has done to make machines of us? 
We have no need to call upon our neighbor for help in the harvest field, 
— the reaper takes his place. The old-fashioned quilting, with its gos- 
sip and talk, its evening frolic and games, has departed. The sewing 
machine does the work of willing hands in the long ago. We are 
not as dependent or as generous in these days as in the old ones. 
We ask less, and of course give less. 

"We are richer, and the world is richer for its inventions, 
though I cannot help think that the swelling of our pocket-books is 
accompanied by a shrinking of our hearts. Whether this be so or 
not, the hospitality, the generosity, the helping hand and kindly 
heart that made 'the whole world kin' when we were young, are 
worth remembering and imitating as we grow old. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY 



'*The pioneer was a worker. 

'From toil be wins his spirits light, 
From busy day the peaceful night; 
Rich, from the very want of wealth, 
In Heaven's best treasures, peace and health.' 
I don't know that he loved work any better than we do ; but he had 
to do it, and everybody around him, wife and children, worked too. 
'God and tbe angels were the only lookers on' in the old time. 

"The boys held the plough and the girls held the baby. The 
wife rocked the cradle and ran the spinning-wheel at the same 
time, and to the same tune. To get the trees out and the crops in 
was the ambition of the family, and they all helped. 

*' The one grand impelling power that directed tlie pioneer was 
the idea of home. He left the home of his boyhood, not to float 
idly on the world's surface, not to tarry here a while and there a 
while, but with a fixed, firm purpose of founding a home of his 
own. He knew that States and communities, cities and villages, 
would follow his footsteps, but the goal he strove for was home. For 
him, 'East or West, home's best.' The love of home we bear to-day 
is, our inheritance from the fathers, 'more to be desired than gold 
yes, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the honey 
comb.' Let us cherish it, increase it with watchful care, and as 
new swarms go out from the parent hive, let them settle in a hive 
of their own, remembering that 

"There is a sx3ot of earth supremely blest, 
A dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest, 
Where man, creation's tyrant, casts aside 
His sword and scepter, pageantry and pride, 
While in his looks benignly blend 
The sire, the son, husband, brother, friend; 
Here woman reigns, the mother, daughter^ wife. 
Strew with fresh flowers the narrow way of life. 
In the clear heaven of her delightful eye. 
An angel guard of love and graces lie ; 
Around her knees domestic duties meet. 
And fireside pleasures gambol at her feet. 
Where shall that land, that spot of earth, be found? 
Art thou a man, — a patriot, — look around; 
0! thou shalt find, where'er thy footsteps roam. 
That land tJu/ country, and that spot thy home.' 
"The spirit of unrest, of conquest, and of progress that has 
animated the Anglo-Saxon for so many centuries is the spirit of 
pioneership. The men and women of the Mayflower, when they 
cast anchor in Plymouth Bay, saw in the land that gladdened their 
eyes a home free from persecution, — a land where they could w^or- 
ship God with freedom and according to the dictates of their own 
conscience, and that was all. They knew not that the hand that 
guided them in pursuit of rehgious freedom had chosen them as the 
founders of a nation. They felt not the power of the spirit of civih- 
zation impelling them. They did not realize tiaat in the wake of 
their httle craft there followed the steamship, the locomotive, and 
the telegraph. In the cabin of that vessel the arts and sciences, 
invention and discovery, commerce and trade, were unseen passen- 
gers. At its masthead floated the simple banner of the cross, and 
though the red, white and blue of the December sky hung over 
them, they did not see in it the flag of a nation of forty mihions of 
people. AU this they knew not, for in the smaU compass of their 
ken they only saw the immediate present. They forgot that the 
blood of the centuries that flowed in their veins was that of the 
pioneer. 

"Our own pioneers, and we too, have not recognized this in 
our rovings and migrations. They and we set out on our pilgri- 
mage to find a home for ourselves, and have estabhshed empires 
and builded states. The divine purposes of the Great Ruler have 
been entrusted to the pioneer. He has been the instrument in sub- 
duing the waste places, in civihzing and humanizing the world. 



The pathway he carved out has become the highway upon which 
the world is traveling, bearing in its train the civilization of the 
nineteenth century, laden with the love of liberty and freedom, 
freighted with the noblest, highest hopes of humanity. The great 
procession is still in motion ; it cannot pause or stop ; still there are 
worlds to conquer, still there is work for the pioneer. The Pilgrim 
Fathers founded the nation, their sons saved it, and it is ours to 
preserve and perpetuate. Let us then, in this birthyear, highly resolve 
to be true to the blood of the pilgrim and pioneer that courses 
through our veins. They laid the foundation strong and sure. It 
is for us to complete the structure. Let us see to it, then, that our 
work be well done, so that with us education and morality, religion 
and liberty, free thought and free speech shall abide forever. 

'For the structure that we raise, 

Time is with material filled ; 
Our to-days and yesterdays 

Are the blocks with which we build. 

'Truly shape and fashion these. 

Leave no yawning gaps between ; 
Think not because no man sees. 
Such things will remain unseen." 

PIONEEK WOMANHOOD. 

Local history, as a general rule, does not award to pioneer women 
the recognition they deserve. One might almost infer that the early 
settlers were a race of old bachelors, and that the light of woman's 
presence never illuminated their rude cabins. Had this been true, 
civihzation would have halted at the border, for without the wife 
and mother there is no home, and without home the structure of 
ou^ civil liberty is without foundation. But pioneer women have 
done more than to illuminate cabins or influence society; in many 
a clearing she worked by her husband's side, chopping and clearing, 
and in other ways she was a helpmeet in the fullest sense. 

A wife and mother refers to pioneer women as follows . "In 
the day^ of the Revolution, many a man had occasion to remark: 
'God bless America's women;' and to-day many a pioneer farmer 
has reason to cherish his wife in her noble support of him in the 
most trying period of his life— breaking up a new farm with the 
traditional wolf howling at the door for admission. And to go into 
one of these homes to-day you will hardly reahze from the personal 
appearance of the comely matron that her life has had as much of 
the shadow as of the sunshine cast upon it ; converse with her upon 
the subject and in nine cases out of ten, she will tell you that the 
years have slipped by so rapidly and so smoothly that she can 
hardly reahze that these big sons and daughters are hers, or that 
she has seen the broad acres that surround the residence brought to 
a state of tillage. I know a woman, of sweet and motherly dispo- 
sition, who now rides in her carriage and could dress in silks and 
satins if she chose to; who lives in a fine large house, and whose 
husband and three stalwart 'boys' till 170 acres of splendid land, 
who told me, as she smoothed the silvered hair that crowns her 
shapely head, that for years of her pioneer life she never wore a 
shoe, and had but two cahco dresses; for foot covering in the winter 
she was dependent upon old rags and deer skins, and went bare- 
foot in the summer. For two years their log cabin had for furni- 
ture a common bedstead, a pine table, one rocking chair and three 
stools, a cook stove and some shelves in the corner for dishes. Her 
household duties were simple enough— no dainty pastry or tooth- 
some cake ever graced that deal table— and when not sewing she 
went into the logging field or burned brush. Her husband was 
strong and energetic, and used to work away from home whenever op- 
portunity offered, and come home and swing his ax by moonlight 
until 2 o'clock in the morning. On such occasions she used to 'top' 
and trim the trees for him, and make his work lighter and more 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



19 



cheerful by her presence. Do you wonder that her husband's deep 
voice softens into love cadences when he speaks of or to 'mother/ 
or that manly sons and womanly daughters worship the woman 
that gave them birth? There is in that home an atmosphere of 
love and veneration that the memory of toil and tribulation cannot 
banish, and who will deny that wifely tenderness and motherly love 
has produced it? 

*'I know another woman whose husband was so deep in the 
mire of poverty, that he had to go into the lumber woods to work, 
leaving her to care for the oxen, tbe cow and the pig, which com- 
posed their stock. She had a babe at the breast, and tln^ough that 
long, dreary winter, was forced to chop her own wood, do all the 
chores, and walk eleven miles, at frequent intervals, with her babe 
in her arms, to obtain what few groceries she required. The howl- 
ing of wolves at eventide mingled with her lullaby song, and often 
she was kept awake all night by the noises made by the frightened 
cattle and hog. On one occasion she found that a huge bear had 
gained access to the pen, and seizing an ax she determined that 
the killing of the hog should be a dear conquest for him. On her 
approach the bear stuck his head over the pen, and was brained by 
a single blow. Finding that the terrible animal was dead, the 
brave woman returned to the house to rest; in the morning she 
skinned and dressed the monster, and had bear meat all the rest of 
the winter. 

"I know another woman whose husband was prostrated by a 
severe sickness two years after he commenced to clear his farm, 
and for nine weeks she made weekly trips to a village, ten miles 
distant, for groceries and medicines, chopped the wood, took care of 
the stock, and nursed her husband almost day and night. And, 
all this, her husband says, without a single murmur. Was she not 
a heroine? 

"I know another woman, now forty years of age and sur- 
rounded with every comfort, who tells some souhstirriug stories of 
personal experience. She came to the county many years ago, a 
bride of a month, and they were dreadfully poor. During the first 
six months they had nothing to eat but potatoes and corn bread, 
(wheat bread was a rarity then), and were very glad to get enough 
of such food to satisfy hunger. She has plowed, hoed and dug po- 
tatoes, raked hay, cut corn —in fact, done all manner of farm work 
except cradle grain and mow hay. Notwithstanding her hard- 
working life, she is to-day a fresh looking, healthy matron, and the 
mother of ten children, all living. 

"I know another woman, rising sixty years of age, the narra- 
tive of whose pioneer experience would make a very reaOable vol- 
ume. Her husband took up a farm and parted with every cent he 
had in the world in paying the regular fees. For several years she 
assisted her husband in the logging and harvest fields, sowed grain, 
hoed and dug potatoes, etc., in the meantime caring for a large 
family. It was pinching times with them for years, so close, in fact, 
that it seemed impossible for them to maintain life. It was nine 
miles from their home to a grist-mill, and this woman for several 
weeks traveled that distance daily to obtain from 15 to 30 cents 
worth of meal, to keep the family from starving. Her husband was 
a blacksmith, and almost daily did some odd job for a neighbor, 
and the few pennies earned in that way for months constituted the 
family's support. Her husband, her son-in-law and herself logged 
nine acres of heavily timbered land in eleven days, their labor often 
extending far into the night. On one occasion, when her husband 
was absent cooking on the drive, she laid twenty rods of rail fence in a 
day, in order to protect the growing corn. This woman for four years 
did not have a shoe on her feet, wearing shoe packs, made by her 
husband out of unfinished leather obtained at the tannery, and to 
her a calico dress seemed rich raiment. She was cheerful and 



hopeful under the most discouraging circumstances, and now that 
they are comfortably situated, the old gentleman often says that if 
it had not been for 'mother's' pluck and words of cheer, he would 
liave given way under the strain. 

"Spartan womanhood pales in the light of that of the newly 
developed farming regions of the northwest, and the rising genera- 
tion should be given to understand that in the early hves of 
'grandpa; and 'grandma' was more of want and trouble, than of 
plenty and comfort. 

"AU of the women of whom I have spoken are healthy and 
strong yet, despite their years, and though their girth may not 
be fashionable, or their raiment made by Worth, they are the best 
of wives and mothers, and companionable to a marked degree. 

"Side by side, with the experience of a pioneer farmer, should 
be placed that of his hard-working, self-denying, never-complain- 
ing wife. The brightest jewel in a woman's crown is her all ab- 
sorbing affection for husband and children; and none shine 
brighter than those that have. borne the test of rugged experience." 

THE VILLAGE. 

It lieth in the East, or in the West; it lieth in the South, or in 
the North ; it is set upon a hill and is seen afar, or in a vale where 
silvery rivers ghde by to the sea; it standeth on a plain amid mo- 
narchal groves, or it looketh out on waves that wrap the globe—the 
village whereof we write. It has two streets, or it has ten. It has 
5,000 inhabitants, or it has 500. It has gilded vanes on snowy or 
rock-built spires, or it hath none of these. It has showy mansions 
or old-fashioned houses with great chimneys, or both. It is fast 
and alert, or it lags in the wake of time fifty years behind. The 
traveler comes to it on the rushing train, or in the stately vessel or 
lethargic stage. The morning papers jeach it before the matutinal 
meal or in the middle of next week. Wherever on earth's wide 
floor you please, lieth this ubiquitous village. Its founders were 
sohd and worthy men — tradition hath it ever thus. It existed in 
the "good old times," when frosty meeting-houses were without 
fires in December; when shirt-fronts were ruffled an ell deep; when 
silver shoe- buckles were in vogue; when whitewashed panels of the 
tavern door were indorsed "Eum, Brandy, Gin;" or the sun light 
and cloud- shade fall upon it where, a few years ago, was no human 
habitation. Arts fade, kingdoms fail, years come and go, but the habit 
of the village endures through all. In this village whereof we write, 
are many men of many minds, and women in like case. It has, 
one in a dozen, a person who makes other people's business a spe- 
cial study, going up and down and to and fro attending to the same. 
He is as silent as a clam on his own affairs, but he knows his 
neighbors' like a book. He does not read — too busy with some 
one's credentials. His gastronomic idol is No. 3 mackerel, which 
fosters poking inquisitiveness. He is great on "they say", a like 
nuisance. He thinks he is shrewd, but quiet people esteem him a 
bore, a social ferret, a miserable pump, a portable clack mill. 
Medicine cannot cure him, missions don't move him; he noses on, 
with just prudence enough to avoid a suit for slander through a spe- 
cific defect in the law. The keen old prophet of the Koran taught that 
in his paradise there was no place for such. It has persons emi- 
nently honest who are always taxed too high and haunt the board of 
assessors, but are scrupulous about taking oath. It hath traders 
who, when you wish to buy, are all suavity and sweetness, but if 
you have anything to sell, are quite the reverse; who, when they 
buy their goods, beat down and shop around fearfully. In this self- 
same village are many persons who don't like the minister; he isn't 
a big gun; he preaches pohtics, or he doesn't; prays for the govern- 
ment, or he doesn't; called here twice and there once; too energetic, 
or not enough so; quotes Shakspeare, keeps a good horse, wears 
turn-down collar s-— don't like him at all — won't go to church as 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



long as he preaches; (probably won't, whoever preaches). Also, in 
this village, which attends the earth on its annual and diurnal rev- 
olutions with notable regularity, are certain persons who voluntarily 
contribute to keep watch and ward over the affairs of young people; 
who administer on such by authority of "they say" and "I guess," 
utterly obhvious in their querulous years that they were youthful 
once and lived in glass houses that a pebble might have shattered. 
Many a fair reputation have they insidiously "shouldn't-wondered" 
to Hades which, else, had shone like the sun. Over many a young 
heart that was striving to win a place among the honored and wor- 
thy have they cast a cloud of heaviness that has smothered its 
hopeful merits in despair. They are ever on the alert to detract, 
never to encourage. But it was ever thus. But in this village are 
many good people who live in charity and neighborly feeling one 
toward another; who remember that all men are not oracles of ad- 
vice ; who do not suffer the barnacles of detraction to soil their gar- 
ments ; whose hearts go out in benign feeling toward their fellow 
mortals: who were taught the valuable lesson in early youth to avoid 
things that concerned them not; whose minds to them such king- 
doms are that they have enough to occupy them without meddling 
with other people's business. Such people are the golden pillars 
which uphold the place. Such is the village and such will it be 
"till the funeral note of the world shall be knelled" by eternity's 
solemn bell. 



CHAPTEK IV. 



PIONEEK PROFESSIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL HISTORY - EARLY RELIGIOUS 

MATTERS BENCH AND BAR EARLY DOCTORS 

EARLY SCHOOLS. 



"The groves were God's first temples ; ere man first learned 
To hew the shaft and lay the architrave 
And spread the roof above them ; ere he framed 
The lof t3^ vault to gather and roll back 
The sound of anthems." 

A high order of civihzation was introduced into this new coun- 
try by the early settlers. They came from a land of churches and 
schools and brought with them a high appreciation of the worth of 
a Christian intelligence. The first echo of the woodman's ax had 
scarcely died away before the itinerant preacher arrived and the 
notes of prayer and praise ascended from a place of worship. The 
denominations first represented here were the Methodist, Congrega- 
tional, Presbyterian, Baptist and Christian. The first religious 
service in the county was held by the Kev. Abel Warren, of the M. 
E. Church, who preached a funeral discourse for an infant son of 
Mr. Bezahel Bristol, of the township of Almont. Eev. Mr. War- 
ren was the pioneer preacher of this and several other counties. 
He was a man of large heart, and his labors were crowned with 
great success. His memory is still green in the hearts of the old 
pioneers and their children. He also performed the first marriage 
ceremony, that of Mr. Cullen Baldwin and Miss Nancy Elderkin, 
at the house of Mr. Oliver Bristol, of Almont, Jan. 15, 1832. No 
church w^as organized here however until 1834, when a class was 
formed by Eev. L. D. Whitney, who, however, did not remain here 
long. This was known as the Newbury appointment, and was the 
nucleus of the present M. E. Church of Almont. About the year 
1832 an M. E. minister by the name of Swazie, came from Fhnt to 
Lapeer. He was a man of rough speech and assumed the high pre- 
rogative of judge of the living and dead, which aroused the spirit of 
the pioneer young men to such a degree that he hastily left and did 
not return. His successor was a cripple named Washington Jack- 
son, who came from Farmington. In 1835 Lapeer circuit was 
formed, with Eev. 0. P. North as pastor. The same year the Had- 
ley church was organized by Mr. North and was composed of four 



members. The first sermon in Hadley was preached by Eev. James 
Hemingway. The first M. E. love feast and communion was held 
by Eev. E. H. Pilcher, the presiding elder, some time in 1835. The 
M. E. Church having organized a circuit with its headquarters at 
the county seat, the preachers in charge organized classes in almost 
every settlement in the county, meeting with these classes once a 
month perhaps. The history of much of this heroic labor and self- 
sacrifice will never be written, the very names of many of the pio- 
neer preachers having been forgotten, as the policy of this church is 
a continual change of pastors. When Lapeer was first made an 
appointment, in 1834, it was attached to Detroit district, with Eev. 
James Gilruth for presiding elder, who was succeeded in 1836 by 
Wm. Herr; he in 1838 by Geo. Smith; he in 18i2 by Elijah H. 
Pilcher. In 1813 Lapeer was attached to Shiawassee district, with 
Larman Chattield for presiding elder. In 1845 Larman Chatfield 
was sfcill presiding elder, but the district bore the name of Grand 
Eiver. In 1846 the appointment was again placed on Detroit dis- 
trict, with Elijah Crane for presiding elder, who was succeeded in 
1848 by James Shaw. 

In 1850, it was embraced in Flint district with George Bradley 
for presiding elder, who was succeeded in 1852 by George Smith, 
who in turn was succeeded in 1856 by Samuel Clements, Jr., who 
was succeeded in 1858 by James S. Smart. In 1862 Hadley was 
placed on the Eomeo district, with John Eussell for presiding eider. 
At the present time Lapeer belongs to the Flint district. 

Contemporary with the labors of Washington Jackson, 0. F. 
North and L. D. Whitney, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, were 
the labors of Eev. Mr. Euggles, of the Congregational Church, who 
was a man of unbounded zeal and energy. He resided at Pontiac, 
and preached wherever he could gather an audience, making his 
missionary tours mostly on foot. He planted several churches in 
the wilderness, some of which are extinct, but most of them remain 
a monument of his arduous labors. Presbyterian and Congre- 
gational churches were organized at a very early date in Lapeer, as 
many of the first settlers there were adherents to the "Westmins- 
ter" creeds. The First Congregational Church of Lapeer was 
organized in July 1833, by Mr. Euggles. This society was after- 
wards known as the Congregational and Presbyterian Church, and 
still later the Congregational part was dropped altogether. Subse- 
quent to the organization of the Lapeer society one was organized 
in Hadley. 

The Congregational Church has long since been merged with 
other rehgious. bodies. The Presbyterian Church still remains one 
of the oldest and wealthiest religious bodies in the county. Eev. 
Mr. Sly was, we believe, the pioneer Presbyterian home missionary. 
In 1838 a Congregational society w^as formed in Almont, the result 
of the labors of Eev. Hiram Smith, who ministered to the church 
for three years, then was succeeded by Eev. Mr. Parker, to whom 
the county is largely indebted for his noble educational efforts. 
His successor, Mr. James E. Taylor, was also a prominent edu- 
cator in early times. Indeed we can scarcely appreciate the good 
done by these men who went into the wilderness preaching and 
teaching, sharing the scanty fare of the pioneer, and forming the 
mind and tastes of the youth then growing into manhood and 
womanhood in these wild forests. If they did not plant as many 
churches or gain as many converts to their peculiar creed as did 
their Methodist brethren, we can but think that their influence on 
society was even greater, for they were men of liberal culture, of 
which the circuit lider of those days possessed far too little. But 
the present generation cannot be too thankful for the services of 
both home missionaries and circuit riders in those early days. Both 
classes did their work, and did it w«ell. True we smile at many of 
the questions which produced theological disputes, in which there 



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HISTORY OF LAPEER COUNTY. 



21 



was too much of the spirit of the world, the flesh and the devil, but 
these were the errors of the times. Among these early home mis- 
sionaries who were also teachers, were Eev. E. W. True, who for a 
long time taught the Lapeer academy, and Eev. Charles Kellogg, 
of Almont, who was tried for heresy while pastor of that church. 
He was^ acquitted and soon after resigned his charge and we believe 
left the sacred desk. Presbyterian and Congregational Churches 
were also formed at Farmer's Creek in 1838 and 1840. The Pres- 
byterian Church was founded by Eev. Abijah Blanchard, who wes 
its pastor for two years, but his New England Puritan ideas w^ere 
far too rigid to suit the free life of the wilderness, or the untamed 
spirit of Young America. Indeed some of the prosecutions brought 
before the church were of such a trivial character as to lead us to 
wonder what manner of spirit could possess the pastor and church. 
Of course a church a prey to intestine broils is but short hved, and 
after the removal of Mr. Blanchard we hear nothing more of it. 
The Congregation^ Church, formed upon its ruins, flourished for a 
number of years, but being decimated by death and removals was 
disbanded. 

The United Presbyterians have for years had a flourishing 
society among the Scotch in the town of Almont, and the Congre- 
gationalists a few years since built neat churches at Imlay City, 
Metamora, and several other points. There is also a large church 
at Oakwood, just over the line in Oakland County, which numbers 
some of Lapeer's best citizens among her members. 

In the year 1837 the Baptist Church in Almont was organized 
by the Eev. C. Churchill, with sixteen members. He was its pastor 
for seven years, leaving in 1844. In 1846-'47 they built a church, 
which we beheve they still occupy. The usefulness of this church 
was at one time greatly crippled by dissensions with their pastor, 
the Eev. Mr. Patton, who, after his expulsion from the ministry for 
heresy, founded a Christian Advent Church of which we believe he 
is still pastor. The Baptist Church of Hadley was also founded in 
1837, with seven members. Its first pastor was Eev. W. D. Potter, 
who remained with them for several years. In 1854 they built and 
dedicated a church, and soon after the Eev. Mr. Potter resigned his 
pastorate. Since then this worthy man has' been engaged in vari- 
ous rehgious and benevolent enterprises, and identified with almost 
everything calculated to raise the standard of moral or religious 
culture. For years he was a missionary of the American Sunday- 
school Union engaged m organizing Sunday-schools in destitute 
neigborhoods, and his early labors in the causes of education and 
temperance will not soon be forgotten. Nor will the sufferers of 
the forest fires of 1871 soon forget his disinterested and zealous 
labors for their rehef. Some time previous to 1840, a church was 
organized in the eastern part of Metamora, with Eev. Ezra Tripp 
pastor for a time. A few years after they erected a church at 
Thornville, but the organization long ago became extinct and the 
building passed into other hands, and is now called the Free 
Church. A church was also formed at Lapeer at an early day and 
prospered for a time, but difficulties between the members and the 
pastor, which led to the exclusion of the latter from the ministry, 
ruined the church. Subsequently a new church was formed, which 
has since prospered greatly. 

The Baptists have also church edifices at Imlay City and North 
Branch, and a flourishing church organization at Gardner's school- 
house, which is taking measures to erect or procure a house of 
worship. There are also other societies in the county connected 
with this denomination. 

Although a great deal of pioneer labor was done by ministers 
of the Christian denomination, very little fruit is apparent at 
present. Eev. Mr. Cannon founded several societies, all of w4iich 
are now extinct. But the labors of such men as the Eevs. Cannon, 



Mclntyre and Oviatt cannot be lost, although they did not succeed 
in estabhshing their particular tenets here. The Protestant 
Methodists in some cases follow^ed the Christians, but owing to 
some peculiarities in their old disciphne, their labors were mostly 
confined to the uneducated class at first. They have two churches 
at Lapeer, one in the city — the building 'formerly owned by the 
Baptists— and one a few miles east of the city, and two or three 
church edifices at other points. They are increasing quite rapidly 
of late years. 

The Free-will Baptists did some good work at an early day, 
but the violent opposition of some of their pastors to all secret 
societies of whatever name or character, and the pohtical sermons 
preached by others weakened their influence and destroyed the 
good effect of their labors, so that at present their numbers are 
very small. Indeed the preaching of political sermons seems 
never to have any other effect than to destroy the influence of the 
pastor and break up and scatter churches. 

The tour of the Seventh Day Adventists, with their cotton 
tent, the organization of the church at Lapeer, the building and 
burning of the first church and the subsequent erection of their 
present brick edifice, the organization of the large and influential 
Catholic and Universalist Churches, and the advent of the Lutheran, 
First Day Advent and Free Methodist Churches are of comparatively 
recent date. 

THE COUETS AND BAE. 

One of the first institutions established in a community of 
pioneers has invariably been some sort of a court of justice, where 
law could be expounded, justice administered, and other kinds of 
business, too numerous to mention, transacted. The justice of the 
peace who presided over the principal court of the early days was 
necessarily a being of varied attainments in theory, if not in 
reahty. It was his business to unite in holy bonds of matrimony 
such as desired to be pronounced, and to separate by solemn 
decree of divorce such as could show just and sufficient cause. He 
must also apply the principles of law and justice to the whole 
range of offenses from murder to neighborhood quarrels. 

The present system of judiciary of Michigan is most excellent, 
but it has been developed through a tortuous way. From the date 
of the settlement of Detroit by the French, in 1701, the people of 
the region now included in the State of Michigan have lived to the 
present time under various forms of governments — edicts of kings, 
orders of mihtary commanders, decrees of imperial parliaments 
and provincial governors, ordinances of national congresses, enact- 
ments of territorial governors and councils, provisions of State 
constitutions, and the laws of the State legislature. From the 
coutume de Paris to the last State constitution and enactments of 
the last State legislature, the changes of 182 years have left their 
impress along devious ways. 

Among the first acts of the State legislature was one deahng 
with the circuit court. It decreed that "the Fourth Circuit shall 
be composed of the counties of Oakland, Lapeer, Shiawassee, 
Genesee, Saginaw, Ionia and Kent, and the counties attached 
thereto for jutli-ial purpose." Changes have been made in the 
territory of circuits as the necessities and convenience of popula- 
tion demanded. 

The first term of the circuit court held in Lapeer County con- 
vened on the 17th of October, 1837, Hon. George Morrell presid- 
ing and Hon. Norman Davison as associate. N. H. Hart was 
clerk and Samuel Murlin sheriff. The judges presiding since are 
as follows: Hons. Charles N.Whipple, Daniel Goodwin, Warner 
Wing, Sanford M. Green, Josiah Turner, James S. Dewey, Levi B. 
Taft, Augustus C. Baldwin, S. B. Gaskill and William W. Stickney. 

The machinery of justice was much more comphcated at that 



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22 



HISTOEY OF L^PEEE COUNTY. 



time than at present. Every prisoner arrested for any criminal 
offense was brought before the grand jury and a true bill of indict- 
ment found against him before the case could pioceed to trial, and 
every circuit judge had at least one associate. 

The first grand jury summoned in the county was as follows: 
Caleb Carpenter, Jonathan 0. Freeman, John Shafer, Eichard 
Arms, J. B. Morse, Jedediah E. Hough, Oliver P. Davison, Josiah 

E. Eood, Timothy Wheeler, Wihiam Hart, Isaac Goodale, Ira 
Peck, Samuel Lason, Oliver B. Hart, Isaac Evans, Josiah Baug- 
hart, Ezra E. Parshall, Stephen Smith. Caleb Carpenter was ap- 
pointed foreman of the grand jury, and the court appointed George 

F. Ball and James H. Andrus deputy sheriffs to attend the grand 

jury. 

The petit jury were as follows: Cyrus Humphrey, foreman, 
John S. Smith, Walter K. Hough, Schuyler Irish, Andrew Mattoon, 
Aaron Eood, Luke Perkins, John Brigham, John Thompson, 
Zachariah Oimstead, Abram Tunison. The courfc appointed Eichard 
Butler, of Mt. Clemens, Macomb County, prosecuting attorney, 
pro tern. It would be difficult at this day to find a jury in the 
county of Lapeer made up of men of sounder judgment and com- 
mon sense than these men possessed. Nearly all of them have 
passed away, only Messrs. John Brigham and Andrew Mattoon are 
known to be living at present in the county, and both aged men. 
At this term of court three indictments were found, two for selling 
spirituous liquor to Indians, and one for assault and battery. A 
soldier of the Eevolution, Samuel Washburn, aged eighty-eight 
years, made application for a pension for his services as a soldier 
in the w^ar of the Eevolution, appeared in court and made oath to 
his declaration. All the business of the court was disposed of on 
the second day of the term, and the court then adjourned. Times 
have changed and now court convenes three or four times a year, 
and a hundred or more cases come before it every term. 

EARLY LAW AND LAWYERS. 

Silas D. McKeen, Noah H. Hart and Col. Jonathan E. White, 
were the pioneer members of the Lapeer County bar. 

McKeen came here from New Hampshire and began practice 
about the year 1841. He and his brother Isaac were men of note 
in those early times, and the former w^as a man of talent. He filled 
various county offices and was proposed as candidate for governor 
but failed to receive the nomination. He built a mill on the Flint 
Eiver northwest of Lapeer, afterwards burned. He might have 
risen to wealth and high station had he not fallen into intemperate 
habits which blasted his prospects and robbed him of his property 
and finally of life. His brother Isaac died years before during the 
prevalence of the terrible spotted fever epidemic, and no near friend 
or relative was there to follow the remains of the wreck of one of 
Michigan's most gifted sons to their last resting place. 

Noah H. Hart w^as admitted about the same time. He is a 
son of Oliver B. Hart, one of the first settlers of Lapeer, and was 
born in Litchfield County, State of Connecticut, Oct. 30, 1813. He 
came to Lapeer in May, 1832, and since 1841 has been engaged in 
the practice of law,being now by more than ten years the oldest mem- 
ber of the Lapeer County bar. He has held the office of justice of the 
peace for thirty years, and has held various other local offices, in- 
cluding those of county clerk and prosecuting attorney. In October, 
1861, he went into the service, having raised a company of which 
he w^as first lieutenant. In 1863 he was promoted to captain. 
He remained in the service until February, 1865, when he w^as mus- 
tered out. He is now the oldest member of the Lapeer County 
bar. 

Colonel J. E. Wlnte, whose name is frequently mentioned in 
the history of Lapeer, being one of its pioneers, began practice about 



1841, and continued it until his death in July, 1881. Colonel 
White was in all respects a pioneer, and had much to do wdth the 
prosperity of Lapeer city and county. He was interested in the 
building of the first mill in the county, and through his life was ex- 
tensively engaged in business pursuits aside from his profession. 
The Lapeer CI anon speaking of the death of Colonel White said : 

*' Colonel Jonathan E.White, a resident of this place since Feb- 
ruary, 1832, died at the asylum for the insane, atPontiac, on Tuesday, 
aged 75 years. Colonel White's was the second family to settle in 
the then wilderness of Lapeer, and for many years he w^as a large 
land owner and influential citizen. He was an attorney by profes- 
sion, and has held many offices of public trust, among them a seat 
in the lower house of the State legislature. His wife died a few 
years ago, childless, and since that time his health, which had been 
poor many 3^ears, rapidly declined, and a few months ago his friends 
took him to the asylum where he died. He was one of four broth- 
ers, all of whom have lived here since the early days — Phineas, 
Henry K., Enoch J. and J. E. The two former survive. His 
funeral was attended at the residence of Mrs. E. J. White, yesterday 
afternoon. He was buried wdth Masonic honors." 

Moses W. Wisner came here from Pontiac and was practicing 
in 1842. He continued here a few years and then returned to Pon- 
tiac. He was once governor of Michigan, and w^as an officer in the 
army. He is now^ dead. 

H. W. Williams was editor of the Sentinel in 1840 and after- 
ward practiced law for a short time. He finally went to St. Louis, 
Mo., where he still resides. 

William T. Mitchell, now of Port Huron, came here early in 
the forties and w^as engaged in practice, but went to Eomeo before . 
1846. He has been judge of the circuit court and a prominent man 
in the State. 

J. M. Wattles settled in Lapeer in 1846. He was born in 1819 
in Bradford County, Pa. Went to ihQ university at Galesburg, 111., 
where he commenced the study of law, about 1842. Was admitted 
to the bar at Towanda, Pa., in 1844. Came to Lapeer in 1846. 
Practiced law until about 1876. Commenced busiiiess as a banker 
in 1874. Has been prosecuting attorney, circuit court commissioner, 
justice of the peace, alderman, etc. Was married to Fanny M. 
Hart, of Lapeer, in 1846, who died in January, 1882. Three chil- 
dren survive her. One of his sons is associated with him in the 
banking business. 

N. H. Eedman, who was raised in the county, practiced law 
for several years at Almont, afld he was the only addition to the 
bar for a number of years. 

Andrew C. Maxwell practiced in the county for some time prior 
to 1857, when he removed to Bay City and became promnient as a 
lawyer. Maxwell's jokes would fill a volume. 

Wilham Hemingway settled in the village of Lapeer and be- 
came a member of the bar in 1857, although he had practiced law 
more or less for several years prior to that time. He was born in 
Chih, Monroe County, N. Y., in 1815. Attended the common 
schools of the town and also went to the Wesleyan Seminary at 
Lima, N. Y. Came to Michigan in 1835. Eemained in Oakland 
Township, Oakland County, for two years. Went to Hadley, La- 
peer County, and commenced farming. Had studied the surveyor's 
profession in New York State and followed it in Lapeer County for 
some ten or tw^elve years. Commenced practicing law in 1850. 
Came to Lapeer Township in 1857. Has been circuit court com- 
missioner for twenty years. In 1863-64 was a member of the State 
legislature. Has served as a supervisor for Hadley, also for one of 
the city districts. Has been a town clerk, highway commissioner, 
school inspector, and a justice of the peace, in both city and town- 
ship for twelve years. Married in 1837 to Mary A. Vail of Eiga, 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



23 



Monroe County, N. Y. They have five children, four daughters 
and one son. 

In 1856 the late Charles M. Walker was admitted to the bar 
arid engaged in practice at Lapeer. After the war broke out he 
went into the service, and after returning from the army settled in 
Adrian, where he died in 1878. He became a prominent member 
of the bar and was highly esteemed as a citizen of Adrian. 

William W. Stickney, now circuit judge, began the practice of 
law in Lapeer in 1856. He was born in Shoreham, Addison 
County, Vermont, in 1832. He attended the common schools and 
Newton Academy in his native place, also academies at Bakersville 
and Brandon, Vt. Commenced the study of law in 1854 at a law 
school in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., graduating in August, 1855. He 
then went to Judge Hayden's private law school in Poland, Ohio. 
Came to Lapeer in 1856, and went into the law office of John M. 
Wattles. Was admitted to the Michigan bar in June, 1856, at a 
term of court held inFhnt, Hon. Sanford M.Green, presiding judge. 
Has been in practice in Lapeer County until the spring of 1881, when 
he was elected judge of the sixth Michigan judicial circuit. Among 
other offices held by him may be mentioned those of prosecuting 
attorney, city alderman and a member of the school board, of which 
he was also president. Married in 1856 to Georgiana Atwood, a 
native of Shoreham, Vt. They have three children, one daughter 
and two sons. 

Silas B. Gaskill, who was succeeded on the bench by Judge 
Stickney, became a member of the Lapeer County bar in 1859, and 
is yet one of its leading members. He was born in 1828 in the 
town of Gainesville, Genesee County, N. Y. His parents left there 
in 1837, and went to Niagara County. Attended the Wesleyan 
College at Lima, N. Y. Studied law with Judge Hiram Gardner at 
Lockport, N. Y. Came to Hadley Township, Lapeer Coimfcy, in 
1853. Was admitted to the bar at Midland City, Midland County, 
at the first term of court held in that county. It was presided over 
by Judge Turner of Owosso. Settled permanently after his admis- 
sion in Lapeer, and has practiced his profession there ever since. 
In 1880 was appointed circuit judge by Governor Croswell to fill a 
vacancy in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, which comprises Lapeer and 
Oakland Counties. Was elected to the same office in the fall of 
1880. Held it until the expiration of the term January 1, 1882. 
Has been an alderman and member of the school board in Lapeer. 
Is married. 

Dr. N. B. Eldredge, now member of Congress, practiced medi- 
cine at Lapeer at an early day, and afterward engaged in the prac- 
tice of law. He removed to Adrian, where he continued in t!ie 
legal profession. 

Virtulon Eich, now a resident of Mayfield, became a member 
of the Lapeer County bar in 1857, althpugh he had the}i been en- 
gaged in the practice of law for more than twenty years. He was 
born in Shoreham, Vermont, in 1811, and in 1832 went to 
Ohio and located in Morgan County, where he continued 
the study of law which he had began in Vermont. He finished his 
legal school education in Zanesville, Ohio. Studied law in Indiana- 
poHs, Ind., and was admitted to practice in London, Ohio, in 1834. 
He practiced his profession there, and in Zanesville and McConels- 
ville until 1857, when he came to Michigan and was admitted to 
the bar in Saginaw City. He then came to Lapeer City, where he 
engaged in the practice of law up to 1869, when he moved on his 
farm on section 32 in the township of Mayfield, and has since that 
time devoted his attention almost exclusively to farming. He has 
held the office of probate judge in the county of Lapeer two years, 
and is now (1883) serving his third term as justice of the peace. 
He was married in 1835 to Miss Sarah C. Bush, of Shoreham, Vt. 
She died in 1850, and he was again married the following year in 



Columbus, Ohio. They have five children, two sons and three 
daughters. 

Egbert Corey and Jacob L.Green also began practice here 
prior to 1860. The former is still a member of the bar, and resides 
at Almont. The latter removed ilo Conaeeticufc, and is president of 
an insurance company in that State. There was also an early day 
lawyer named Bennett, who practiced a short time at Lapeer. 

The Hst thus made covers the fullest extent of the pioneer 
period. The bar in Lapeer Counfcy has had fewer changes by either 
removal or death than is usually the case, and with respect to rank 
will compare favorably with that of other counties. 

The bar in 1883 is composed of the following members: 
William B. Williams, prosecuting attorney; J. H. Palmer, 
Frank Milhs, circuit court commissioners; Harrison Geer, Wilham 
Hemingway, Joseph B. Moore, Jasper Bentley, E. W. Corey, F. P. 
Andrus, E. J. Landers, E. V. Langdon, George Mott, H. A. Bird- 
sail, C. A. Hovey, S. B. Gaskill, John M. Wattles, T. C. Taylor, 
Calvin P. Thoms, Noah H. Hart, Sidney D. Walton, V. S. Miller! 
George Morse, J. Lynch, E. L. Taylor. 

Mallory N. Stickney, brother of Judge Stickney, was a gradu- 
ate of the Michigan law school, and practiced in Lapeer a short 
time prior to 1881, when he died. 

Cass H. McEntee, studied with Judge Gaskill, and practiced a 
short time. He was drowned in 1878. 

The Lapeer County Bar Association was organized about 1863. 
WiUiam Hemingway has been president since the beginning of its 
organization. 

The first court-house and jail in Lapeer was a single building, 
burned soon after its erection. Here the murderer Daum was con- 
fined after his arrest for the murder of Ulrich. It is said that the 
criminal after his arrest became a prey to abject fear, and virtually 
acknowledged his crime to the sheriff. Then recovering himself he 
suddenly became violently religious, and spent most of his time in 
his cell in prayer and singing hymns. After his acquittal he gave 
the sheriff a terrible cursing, then started at once to a church 
where religious exercises were in progress, and gave an exhortation 
which produced a profound impression upon the audience. This 
trial lasted two weeks, and during its progress was attended by 
crowds of excited people. No one doubted the prisoner's guilt, and 
had the law been then as now he would have been convicted, but 
the evidence being wholly circumstantial the jury, fearing lest they 
might condemn an innocent man to death, acquitted him. 

For about eight years after the first settlement was made, this 
county formed a part of Oakland County. For the first two or 
three years there were no towns organized, and the settlements 
were so small and so remote from each other that what little civil 
law there was in the days of Territorial legislation could scarcely be 
enforced; and if difficulties arose between neighbors, they were 
generally settled by compromise, arbitration or an appeal to arms— 
or rather fists— when of course the strongest of the doughty cham- 
pions won the day. And it was well for our growing common- 
wealth that our first settlers were a law abiding class of citizens. 
Had they not been such, in this unsettled state of society, with the 
absence of local supervision and the local prejudices which the 
settlers had brought from their former homes, "border ruffianism" 
would have been as rampant here as it has been in some of our 
sister States. One prohfic cause of disagreement which might be 
mentioned aifiong our early settlers, arose from cutting and gather- 
ing marsh hay from government lands. This was absolutely neces- 
sary. The very existence of their cattle depended upon it, and as 
all cut and drew away as much as possible, endless disagreements 
arose, which usually culminated in fights. The scene of many of 
these conflicts still bears the name of "squabble meadow." How- 



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HISTOEY OF LA.PEEE COUNTY. 



ever with the adoption of the State constitution and the organiza- 
tion of the county a new order of things began, and lawyers, law- 
suits and office seekers appeared upon the stage. Then too, specu- 
lation in real estate and paper money was rife. Wildcat banks 
sprang up in every backwoods hamlet, and populous cities were 
mapped upon paper and city Jots sold in Eastern cities for high 
prices. But by and by the bubble burst. It was soon ascer- 
tained that one keg of specie served as capital for many wildcat 
banks, and that the bills of those institutions were worth scarcely 
more then the paper they were printed upon. Then came the buy- 
ers of city lots to look after their purchases; and w^hen they found 
that those eligible city lots, for which they had paid fabulous 
prices, were located in the depths of the forest, or on the bosom of 
some of the little lakes, which dot the surface of the Peninsular 
State, their rage knew no bounds, and of course recourse was had 
in many cases to fruitless htigation to obtain satisfaction for the 
swindle. This was useless, for at this time the country was bank- 
rupt and the poor pioneer suffered far more in those days of utter 
business prostration after the collapse of the wildcat banks, than 
their children have from the present financial depression. At this 
time there was almost no money in the country. Prices of produce 
were so low at one time, that if a man marketed his grain, he must 
board himself and team during the necessarily slow journey, per- 
haps fifty miles to the nearest market town, for the price of his 
load would barely pay the expenses of his journey. 

The following is but one of the many amusing incidents re- 
lated of the manner in which justice was administered in those 
early times. After the collapse of the Lapeer wildcat bank its 
officers were arrested on a charge of swindling, and brought before 
a justice of the peace residing in Hadley for examination. After 
the prisoners had been brought into court and the prehminaries 
gone through with, the justice, who was at times a sufferer from 
rheumatism, found himself too lame to proceed with the case, and 
it was accordingly adjourned till next day. Two of the prisoners 
were removed to a neighbor's house, where they retired to an un- 
furnished chamber for the night, two constables remaining at the 
foot of the stairs to guard them. During the night a son of the 
host brought a ladder to the open chamber window, by means of 
which the prisoners made good their escape. A witness who had 
been left in charge of the justice for the trial of the ensuing day, 
that kindly official turned over fco the custody of his daughter who 
took pity upon him and allowed him to quietly depart. Of course 
when the constables found their prisoner^ had gone they started in 
pursuit, but did not succeed in re-arresting them, although they 
were at their homes as usual the next day, and one of them rode 
*back to inquire concerning the squire's health. The suit was 
finally discontinued. 

EAKLY DOCTORS. 

Dr. J. S. Comstock, one of the early physicians of Lapeer 
County, mentions the early doctors as follows: 

"In 1839, wheli I came into the county, there were but two 
physicians within its limits. Dr. Leete, who had been in the county 
previously, having just removed toEome. Dr. M. Y. Turrill w^as in 
Lapeer, and Dr. Carpenter at Almont, both of whom are now 
dead. Soon after, Dr. Powers came to Lapeer from Oxford, stopped 
about one year, removed again to Oxford, and from thence to De- 
troit, and is now dead. Dr. Miller then took Powers' place, and a 
Dr. Jones came to Almont. Dr. Miller stopped at Lapeer about 
two years, thence removed to Flint, and from there to Chicago. Dr. 
Jones soon removed farther West, and his place was supplied bv 
Dr. Bailey, who soon after removed to Joliefc, 111., and from there to 
Memphis, Tenn. Next came Dr. Trowbridge, to Almont. Next 
came to Lapeer, Dr. Loud, followed by Dr. Kenney. Dr. Loud 



long since removed to Eomeo, where he now resides. Dr. Kenney 
still remains at Lapeer. 

"The practice of medicine is but mere child's play at present, 
compared with those early times. The population was scattered 
and poor, many of them had spent their last dollar for land, and it 
was not an uncommon thing for a physician to rise in the middle of 
the night for a ride of seventeen or eighteen miles, with no roads 
but an Indian trail, which nothing but Indian ponies could follow, 
while the woods echoed to the dismal howhng of the wolves. These 
are the hardships of which the present generation can have no con- 
ception. No class of men know more of the hardships and suffer- 
ings of the pioneer people than the pioneer physician." 

BIOGRAPHY OF DR. COMSTOCK. 

Dr. J. S. Comstock was born near Providence, E. L, Apiil 2, 
1813. When he was very young his father removed to Tioga 
County, N. Y., and his youth and early manhood were spent here 
and in his native State, where he taught for a year or more in one 
of the factory villages near Providence. 

He studied medicine with Dr. Angell, and graduated from the 
Geneva Medical College in 1838. 

In May, 1839, he came to Michigan by rail from Detroit to 
Birmingham, then to Flint but not being pleased with any of these 
locations he came to Lapeer, thence to Farmers Creek, where he es- 
tabhshed himself as physician and has remained here ever since. 
September 16, 1840, he was married to Miss Elizabeth C, daugh- 
ter of J. B. Morse, They had one son and three daughters. The 
son, 0. F, Comstock, enlisted in the United States Construction 
Corps, and started with Sherman's army in his march to the sea, 
and died June 29, 1864. The oldest daughter is unmarried; the 
second, Sarah F., married F. W. Goodale, and removed to Kintner, 
Tuscola County, Mich.; the youngest, Mary E., died May 8, 1873, 
at the age of eleven years. Mrs. Comstock died May 16, 1875. 
October 22, 1876, he Avas married a second time to Mrs. Soj)hronia 
Wetherell, of Mt. Morris, Mich. 

During a severe thunder storm in May, 1880, his dweUing was 
struck by lightning, and he received a terrible shock, which caused 
him several months of suffering, and from w^hich he has never re- 
covered. Since this he has given up his profession, and resides on 
his farm. He is the oldest physician in the county, and the only 
survivor of those who came here prior to 1840. 

FIRST EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS. 

All the schools established prior to the admission of Michigan as 
one of the States of the Union, were, of course, private schools. 
After the adoption of the State constitution and the munificent 
grant of land amounting to one thirty-sixth of the public domain 
within the bounds of the new Peninsular State, and w^hich was 
kept sacredly for the primary schools, the private schools were su- 
perseded by those of the district organization ; and when the system 
was so perfected as to enable the adoption of the union high school 
as the center of all educational effort, the numerous academies es- 
tabhshed all over the land for the most part succumbed to the 
pressure. 

The private schools and academies of the early days were a 
great blessing, gind but for them the present excellent system of free 
schools would not have been so speedily perfected. In those days 
the pubhc school was an impossibility, for there was yet no fund, 
the ever increasing interest of which could be applied to such a 
purpose, and even if there had been, the settlements were too small 
and too widely scattered for the people to receive any practical 
benefit from it. 

The early settlers of Lapeer County knew the value of good 
schools, and the importance of educating their children. As soon 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



25 



as there were a few children in a neighborhood, some person was 
found to teach them. Schools were kept before school buildings 
were built. The first school in Lapeer was kept in a building 
erected for a shop. 

The first school-houses were rude log buildings erected by sub- 
scription, and the teachers were frequently paid in a like manner. 
Wages were very low. If a teacher was paid $2 a week with board 
it was considered a good salary. 

The first schools in the county were taught in Lapeer village ; 
in 1833, a select school by a Miss White, and in the fail of that 
year Captain N. H. Hart taught in a little building on the ground 
where White's Opera House now stands. 

The first school in Almont Township was taught at the present 
village of Almont, by a Miss Freeman, who received a salary of 75 
cents a week. In the winter of 1836-'37 Elijah C. Bostwick taught 
a school in the Deneen neighborhood. 

Mr. H. M. Look also taught a private school at Farmers 
Creek, at the house of J. B. Morse, in the winter of 1836-'37. But 
as soon as the townships were organized and school inspectors 
elected, as provided by statute, the work of organizing districts 
began, and these private schools were superseded at once by the 
district primary school. Still the academies held their place, for 
no one expected to gain anything more than the rudiments of an 
education at these primitive district schools. After the county was 
organized and the two court-houses built, and the "lower town 
house" had been accepted as the "seat of jurisprudence," the up- 
per town court-house was occupied as an academy building, and 
while from its rival, human beings were sent forth to the shame of 
jail and prison, from the other, young men and women were being 
educated for lives of honor and usefulness. When a union school 
district was formed in the city, this building became the high school 
building, and was used as such until replaced by the present elegant 
and commodious brick structure. The old house, soon after its re- 
moval from the old site, was destroyed by fire. Like many other 
things it had survived its usefulness; but we fancy all who had been 
educated within those old walls regretted its faU. In 1844 an 
academy was established at Almont by Eev. E. Parker, which was 
for years a successful institution. Some years afterward a house 
was built there for an academy, which was taught for a time by 
Mr. Charles Kellogg. This building afterward became the prop- 
erty of the district, and was the high school up to 1867, when it 
was superseded by an excellent brick school-house. 

When the University of Michigan was being established it was 
proposed to establish preparatory schools, as auxiliaries to that in- 
stitution, at convenient points throughout the State. What was 
then known as the northeastern portion of the State, consisting of 
the counties of Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer and St. Clair, would be 
entitled to such a school. These institutions were to be known as 
branches of the University of Michigan, and there was quite a strife 
among the new formed settlements to secure the establishment of 
such an institution in their midst. Farmers Creek, among others, 
sent in a bid for the school ; and to assist in the laudable enter- 
prise an academy was started under the auspices of Mr. James E. 
Taylor, a man of liberal education . His school was for a time a 
flourishing institution, and pupils gathered there from almost all 
the settlements in the county, but this academy did not succeed in 
gaining the expected aid from the State and soon died a natural 
death, as did also the system, whose aid it invoked, not many years 
after. 

Many of the teachers of these early seminaries of learning 
have died, and the very names of some have perhaps been for- 
gotten, but the influence they exerted over the minds of the genera- 
tion then coming on the stage will not soon pass away. It is to 



those labors in the early history of our State that we owe our 
magnificent high school buildings and those neat and commodious 
primary school-houses which may be found in every country 
neighborhood throughout the Peninsular State. 



CHAPTER V. 

EARLY LUMBERING LAPEER COUNTY SOCIETIES STATISTICAL INFORMA- 
TION. 

The subject of lumbering finds a very proper introduction in 
the language of Judge Albert Miller, of Bay City, as follows: 

*'The pioneers of Michigan, who settled in the northern part 
of the State fifty years ago, were fully aware that there were vast 
forests of pine timber lying around their settlements and to the 
north of them, but could not have anticipated the great value which 
the rapid improvement of our whole country, and especially the 
western portion of it, has found those forests to possess. The 
early settlers of that portion of Michigan of which I am writing 
were principally from the New England States and from New York, 
and when they looked back to the large amount of pine timber they 
had left behind them, they did not suppose that in their life-time 
it would be exhausted, and that large amounts would have to be 
transported from a thousand miles interior to supply the Atlantic 
States. .At that time Maine was of itself considered a 'world of 
pine forests,' and its proximity to Boston gave that city and the 
State of Massachusetts a supply of cheap lumber; and passing 
along farther west and south we find the Connecticut Eiver reach- 
ing far up into the region of pine forests in northern Vermont and 
New Hampshire, and large quantities of pine in every shape, from 
the tall spar used in fitting out our Atlantic marine, down to 
manufactured clap -boards and shingles annually floated down its 
rapid current to supply western Massachusetts and the State which 
adopted the name of the said river, without a thought on the part 
of the consumers that the supply was ever to be exhausted. The 
supply of pine timber on the banks of the Connecticut Eiver was 
considered by the early settlers in that region as inexhaustible. 
Tha writer has seen large quantities of pine logs near the banks of 
the river, not over one hundred miles from its mouth, which had 
been hauled from the land by the early settlers while clearing it for 
cultivation, rolled into a ravine and suffered to decay, which, if 
they were now sound, Avould be worth more than the farm from 
which they were cut. If the man is not now living, he has but 
recently passed away, who was hired by the proprietor of this same 
farm to fell the pine trees on a certain tract of land for no other 
purpose than that they should not draw sustenance from the soil 
and thereby impoverish it and lessen its value for future cultiva- 
tion. It must be admitted that said proprietor was not a skillfuj 
woodsman, nor an experienced agriculturist, he being an English 
sea captain. I mention this reckless destruction of a commodity 
which time and circumstances have made so valuable, as a warning 
to prevent the proprietors of Michigan forests from permitting any 
waste of their timber; for in less time than has passed away since 
the circumstance transpired that I have related above, a good pine 
lumber tree will be as great a rarity in Michigan as it is now in 
that part of Vermont. I believe that every sound forest tree in 
Michigan, of whatever kind, is of more value to the proprietor than 
the ashes it will make, after bestowing much labor to convert it 
into that commodity. If more land is required for cultivation, let 
it be supplied by the boundless prairies of the West, but let our 
Michigan forests remain tiU the timber is required for some useful 
purpose, and then let the land be put into the highest state of 
cultivation. But to return to the pine forests of the Eastern States 
forty years ago. Passing over the Green Mountains we come to 
the pine region of Lake Champlain and the waters emptying into 



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26 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



it, which, with regions on tbe head-waters of the Hudson, produced 
such quantities of himber, finding a market at Albany, that that city 
was for a long time the great lumber market of the United States, 
and she still maintains an ascendancy in the trade, although the 
great source of supply is now in the west and Canada. We might 
continue and mention the regions of the Delaware and Susque- 
hanna, as the great source of supply for the more Southern and 
Atlantic cities, and then pass on to western New York and look at 
the head-waters of tbe Genesee and its branches. I was recently 
told by a pioneer of northern Michigan, that a little more than forty 
years ago he was in the town of Dansville, which is situated on a 
branch of the Genesee River, and that within four or five miles of 
that town good pine lumber could be bought at the mills for $2.50 
per thousand, and paid for in almost any kind of barter, and that 
in 1826, after the Erie Canal was open and in use from Albany to 
Buffalo, pine lumber was sold in the city of Rochester for f 6, $8 
and f 10 per thousand. In view of the circumstances related 
above, it cannot be supposed that at that time the idea could have 
been conceived of doing a profitable business by manufacturing 
lumber in the forests of Michigan and transporting it to the 
Atlantic cities. 

"The first saw-mill that was ever builb on waters that are 
tributary to the Saginaw River was the one built on the Thread 
River at Grand Blanc, in 1828 and 1829, by Rowland Perry and 
Harvey Spencer. The object of building the mill was to supply the 
want of that settlement, the nearest mill to it then being at Water- 
ford, about twenty miles distant. There was no pine timber in the 
immediate vicinity of the mill, the nearest being a small pinery 
four or five miles distant, in a northeasterly direction, from which 
the farmers used to haul logs, to be manufactured into lumber for 
their own use. The mill was a poor affair, not profitable to the 
owners, and after three or four years was wholly abandoned, and 
the land which was occupied by the pond has been cultivated for 
over thirty years. The second mill was built by Rufus Stevens in 
1829 and 1830, on the same stream, four or five miles north of the 
one first mentioned, and within two miles of the Flint River, just 
above the present location of the 'Thread Mills.' That mill was 
run a portion of each year for several years, but without much 
profit to the owner. The supply of pine logs was procured from the 
pinery heretofore mentioned, the pinery being within about two 
miles of the last mentioned mill. The first raft of lumber that ever 
floated on the tributaries of the Saginaw was manufactured at this 
mill, and hauled across to Flint River and floated down that stream. 
There was an attempt made in 1830 by Alden Tupper to build a 
mill on the Flint River, below Flushing, but it never progressed any 
further than to erect a frame , which was suffered to stand without 
covering till it rotted down. No mills were built on any of the 
tributaries of the Saginaw except those above mentioned previous 
to the building of the steam mill by Harvey and G. D. and E. S. 
Williams in 1835. Harvey Williams had previously been engaged 
in Detroit in building the engines of the steamboat 'Michigan,' 
w4iich in her day was the finest boat that had ever floated on the 
Western lakes, and after completing his contract in winding up his 
business in that city, he took a steam engine and machinery for a 
saw-mill, which he transported to Saginaw, and in company with 
G. D. and E. S. Wilhams erected in 1835 the mill at Saginaw 
City, which was the first steam mill erected in the Saginaw Valley, 
if not the first in the State of Michigan. Joel L. Day, late of Bay 
City, performed the millwright w^ork and put in the first muley 
saw that was ever used in this part of the country. During the 
winter of 1835 and 1836 a fine stock of logs for the mill was pro- 
vided on the banks of the Tittabawassee, near Sturgeon Creek, and 
run to the mill, and owing to the local demand for timber, I think 



the Messrs. Williams did a profitable business with their mill dur- 
ing the season of 1836. 

"When the Messrs. Williams began to operate their mill, so 
little was known about running steam saw-mills economically, that 
when they commenced to build their new mill they contracted for 
large quantities of cord wood to be delivered for fuel with which to 
run it. 

"In 1834 there was but one saw running on the Saginaw 
River. That was before the days of muley saws, but the machinery 
that propelled that saw was fearfully and wonderfully made. 
Charles A. Lull was the sash and I was the pitman. When I was 
a lumberman, the season's cutting for one saw was estimated at 
one million feet. We fell short of that amount that year; but we 
did cut enough to lay the floors in Mr. Lull's log house that he 
built on his farm, which is now in the town of Spaulding, and 
which was the first house built in Saginaw County away from the 
banks of the river." 

LAPEEK COUNTY LUMBEKING. 

The north two-thirds of Lapeer County was originally covered 
with pine timber of a very superior quality, and yet the manufact- 
ure of pine lumber never contributed very largely to the -progress of 
material interests in the county. Water transportation was and is 
necessary to the successful manufacture of pine lumber, and Lapeer 
County had neither rail nor water facilities for transportation. The 
consequence was that a great proportion of the pine was floated to 
Flint and Saginaw and contributed its wealth to building up those 
cities. 

The first saw-mill in Lapeer County w^as located on Farmers 
Creek, near the railroad bridge, at Lapeer. Its construction was 
begun late in the fall of 1831, by the Pontiac Mill Company. Upon 
his arrival at Lapeer soon after. Colonel J. R. White purchased an 
interest in the mill and in a short time the entire property passed 
into the hands of J. R. and Phineas White. 

The second mill was built by Mr. Alvin McMaster, one of the first 
comers to the county. Not long afterward Estes Higley built the 
third mill. Martin Stiles came from Canada and built a mill north 
of Lapeer village. In 1834 a mill was built in Imlay Township by 
Wilcox and Hovey, which afterward passed into the hands of the 
Imlay Mill Company. 

Mills sprang up at various points and cut the pine in their re- 
spective neighborhoods and then disappeared. This business how- 
ever did become an organized industry. The principal lumbering 
points in the county were Fish Lake, Five Lakes, Columbiavilleand 
Otter Lake. The Gerritt-Smith tract purchased by Messrs. Page 
& Benson, who operated at Otter Lake, afforded a very superior 
quality of pine, said by some to have been the finest ever manufact- 
ured in Michigan. Probably the most extensive lumberman now 
in the county is William Peter, who now lives in Toledo, and has 
extensive interests at Columbiaville. 

In December, 1872, a list of lum.ber manufacturers in Lapeer 
County, together with their postoffice address was made, and is as 
follows : 

Stephens, Courier & Co., Fish Lake, Stephens postoffice, one 
saw-mill and one shingle- mill, four miles east and four and three 
quarters miles north of Lapeer. 

H. H. Woodruff, Five Lakes postoffice, tw^o mills with shingle- 
mill and planer attached, four miles east and six miles north of La- 
peer. 

Parker & Redfield, Lapeer, one saw-mill with shingle mill at- 
tached, one and one-half mile east and five and one-half miles north 
of Lapeer. 

McCreery, Ivory & Co., Lapeer, one saw-mill and shingle-mill 
attached, one-half mile west of Parker & Redfield's mill. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



27 



Michael & Dennis, Lapeer, one mile south of city, saw and 
shingle -mill. 

C. A. Smith, kimber and shingle-mill, Lapeer, one mile west 
and four miles north of the city. 

Dodge & Vandyke, saw and shingle-mill, three miles north and 
east of city. They also buy heavily of other manufacturers and 
ship to Eastern points. Address, Lapeer. 

Lawrence, Eichmond & Co., two saw-mills. Address, Marathon. 
B. B. Eedfield & Sons, wholesale and retail lumber and shin- 
gle dealers, Lapeer, yard one-fourth mile east of P. H. & L. M. 
depot. 

Haynes Bros, wholesale dealers in lumber and shingles, Lapeer. 

James McKenzie, commission dealer and shipper, Lapeer. 

William McAuley, inspector and commission dealer, Lapeer. 

George Patrick, lumber inspector, Lapeer. 

J. D. Mills, manufacturer and commission dealer, Lapeer. 

George Higley, saw-mill, one mile south and one mile east of 
Lapeer. 

J. W. Filler, saw-mill and shingle machine and planer, five 
miles southeast of Lapeer. 

George Lumbard, saw and shingle-mill, three miles east and 
one mile south of Lapeer. 

Parson & McGunegal, shingle-mill, three miles west and two 
miles north of Millville. 

S. R. Lathrop, saw and shingle-mill, Millville. 

George W. Rood, shingle-mill, three miles east and one mile 
north of Lapeer. 

F. J. Peter, shingle-mill, one mile east and nine miles north 
of Lapeer. 

Peter & Smith, shingle-mill, one mile west and four miles north 
of Lapeer. 

A. A. Sage, shingle and lumber mill, three miles east and one- 
half mile north of Lapeer. 

Alexander Johnson, shingle and lumber manufacturer, mill 
one mile east and nine miles north of Lapeer. 

Hitchcock & Walker, tw^o miles south of Lapeer, shingle-mill. 

Bennett & Avery, shingles and lumber, four miles east and two 
miles north of Lapeer. 

J. R. White, lumber and shingles, mills four miles east and 
three miles north of Lapeer. 

George Cliff, shmgle-mill, ten miles north of Lapeer. 

Shubal Smith, shingle and lumber-mills, four miles east and 
ten miles north of Lapeer. 

Tuttle & Gregory, planing, sash, doors and blind shop, one- 
fourth mile west of P. H. &. L. M. depot, Lapeer. 

Charles M. Hemingway & Co., planing, sash, doors and blind- 
mill, in Lapeer. 

William Watson, shingle -mill at Hemingway & Go's ^factory, 
Lapeer. 

J. J. M^rritt, agent for Howe, Van Etten & Co's stave-mill, 
Lapeer. 

H. W. Shaw, stave dressing machine, near P. H. & L. M. de- 
pot, Lapeer. 

S. N. Vincent, postmaster, saw-mill, seven miles east and one 
and one-half miles south of Lapeer. 



COUNTY SOCIETIES. 

THE LAPEER COUNTY PIONEER SOCIETY. 

The first meeting of this society was held February 11, 1874. 
An organization was then effected and a constitution drafted and 
adopted. At this meeting Hon. A. N. Hart, the first actual settler 
of Lapeer City, Mr. J. M. Palmer, who was his companion and 



employe at his removal, Hon. J. R. White, the second actual set- 
tler at this point, and many other old pioneers from the older towns 
of the county, were present. Mr. James Turrill, brother of Dr. 
Turrill, the third settler here, himself an old pioneer of the county, 
was elected president, and Tobias Price, of Metamora, vice-president, 
both of whom have since died. Mr. Hart died the following sum- 
mer at his home in Lansing, and his remains were brought to La- 
peer and interred by those of his wife. Unfortunately the minutes 
of the first two meetings were lost, but there were many present at 
that meeting who have since died, among others, Horace Hinman, 
an early settler here, and afterward a great traveler, spending many 
years of his life in the wild mountain regions of the West, and E. 
J. White, who was one of Park's surveying party, who ran the sec- 
tion lines through Lapeer County. The object of this society was 
twofold, first to bring the early settlers of this county together, and 
renew acquaintances and friendships severed by time and care, also 
to collect the history of the settlement of the county and the various 
stages of its progress. 




AN EARLY COTTAGE. 

At this meeting it was voted to hold the next meeting in Octo- 
ber of the year following. The board of managers met the 1st of 
October, 1874, and in view of circumstances existiug at the time, 
thought it would be impossible to gather a meeting at the time 
fixed the winter previous, and finally decided to hold the next meet- 
ing February 11, 1875. This was a most enjoyable meeting, but 
many of the faces we greeted at the first meeting w^ere missing. 
Mr. Hart had died and Mr. James Turrill, the president, on account 
of age and infirmity was unable to be present. At this meeting the 
deaths of A. N. Hart and Mrs. Lucy A. Lathrop, widow of H. N. La- 
throp, an early settler in Lapeer and Mayfield, and a prominent 
business man for many years, wxre reported, and the society paid 
due honor to their memory. H. D. Rood was elected president, 
Joseph Bristol, since deceased, vice-president, Mrs. R. G. Hart, 
secretary, and it was decided to hold two meetings in each year in 
February and June respectively, the June meeting to be a picnic, 
and christened the pioneer reunion. A corresponding secretary was 
also appointed in each town, whose duty it should be to gather 
statistics. 

The Imlay City reunion was a great success but no minutes 
were kept. Noah H. Hart was the orator of the day and numerous 
short speeches were made by old pioneers and others. 

A.t the meeting February 11, 1876, H. D. Rood and Mrs. R. G. 
Hart were respectively re-elected president and secretary, John 
Look, then a resident of Metamora, vice-president. Several re- 



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28 



HISTOEY OF LAPEER COUNTY. 



sponses were made by the town corresponding secretaries. Sketches 
of the early history of Metamora and Dryden were presented and 
read. The deatli of Mrs. Thurza Henderson, wife of Jacob Hen- 
derson, a resident of the township of Metamora for thirty-four 
years, was reported. 

The reunion for this year was held at Metamora, June 21, 
1876, and a strenuous effort was made to free the society from a 
debt which had rested like an incubus upon it from its first or- 
ganization. 

When the managers met the following January to make ar- 
rangements for the next meeting, they found the society had 
appointed it on Sunday, February 11 happening to fall this year on 
that day. So the third annual meeting was held at the court-house 
February 16, 1877. At this meeting the society paid off many lit- 
tle debts and its members fondly thought themselves square with 
the world. A history of Hadley, Metamora, and Elba from the 
first settlement up to their organization into separate townships, 
was presented by the secretary, and a history of the township of 
Hadley, by Mr. M. C. Tunison, since deceased, and a short but 
comprehensive sketch of the early settlement of Eich by Mr. 
Charles Hall. 

At this meeting of the society the death of Mrs. Eebecca 
Covil, wife of "Samuel Covil, a pioneer of Metamora Township, 
of the year 1836, was reported; also of Samuel Covil, her hus- 
band, aged eighty-eight years. It was decided to hold the June 
reunion at the old farm of James Deneen, now occupied by his 
daughter, Mrs. CharFes Walker, who was the first white child born 
in Lapeer County, as this w^as the fiftieth anniversary of the settle- 
ment of the DeneensTtiere. William North was elected president; 
J. M. Palmer, vice-president; Nettie Comstock, secretary. The 
next annual meeting appointed at Metamora the third Thursday of 
February, 1878. 

February 21, 1878, was a terribly stormy day, as have gener- 
ally been the days of the winter meetings. The old officers were 
re-elected with exception of vice-president, M. B. Smith being 
elected to that office in place of J. M. Palmer. The reunion was 
appointed at Columbiaville, Thursday, June 20, 1878. 

At this meeting, on account of the absence of the secretary 
from the two previous meetings, the secretary '-s report was presented, 
a history of Almont. Dr. W. B. Hamilton also gave a history of 
the township of Marathon, and of the village of Columbiaville. 

The annual meeting for 1879 was held at the Bates House, 
Attica, February 13, 1879. At this meeting it was voted to defer 
the election of officers until the June reunion, w^hich was appointed 
at Metamora, June 19, 1879. The deaths of M. C. Tunison, the 
historian of Hadley, at the annual meeting of 1877; of Franklin 
Bruce, for forty years a resident of Elba, and supposed to be the 
oldest man in the county; of Benjamin Terry, John M. Caulkins, 
the venerated father of Dr. J. S. Caulkins, and of Seth Hall, one of 
the oldest pioneers of Dryden, were reported. These were all resi- 
dents of Dryden. Mr. Caulkins was a very early settler of Almont, 
the others pioneers of Dryden, and the death of Mrs. Ehzabeth Var- 
num, a pioneer of Metamora, was also reported at this meeting. 

At the reunion at Metamora, of June 19, 1879, a motion to 
rescind the twelfth article of the constitution, and to amend the 
eighth article so as to hold but one meeting in the year, this to 
be the third Thursday of June, and another to so amend articles 
eight and twelve, as to hold the election of officers in June, were 
presented and laid upon the table till next meeting, under the 
rules. 

The deaths of John S. Foote, of Dryden, a pioneer of 1837, and 
the main instrument in erecting the Methodist Episcopal Church 



in that town named for him; of Orson H. Look, son of John 
Look, the pioneer of Hadley Township; of Shepherd Wheeler, a 
pioneer of "Hadley, in 1836, and father of Judge H. H. Wheeler, of 
Ludington; of Joel M. Palmer, who came to Lapeer with Hon. A 
N. Hart, in November, 1831, and had resided there ever since; of 
Col. Needham Hemingway, brother of Eev. James Hemingway, 
who came to Oakland County in 1824, and to Lapeer County, and 
built mills in Marathon at an early day; of Mrs. Margaret Miteaux, 
a pioneer of Almont, of the year 1834; of Mrs. Oliver Lewis and 
Mrs. Edmund King, pioneers of Dryden, of the year 1836, and of 
Aaron Balch, a pioneer of Dryden, of the year 1840, were reported; 
also those of Mrs. Emeline Parker, a sister of Mrs. J. E. White, 
and a resident of Lapeer since 1833, and of Mr. and Mrs. Tobias 
Price, pioneers of Metamora, of 1836. Mr. Price was the first super- 
visor in that town. 

The annual meeting for 1880 was held Thursday, February 12, 
1880, at the court-house in the city of Lapeer. At this meeting 
all old claims against the society were paid, and this was the last of 
the society's debts. Some additional by-laws were adopted, and the 
officers received new instructions. The first amendment proposed 
to the constitution at the June meeting lost; the second indefinitely 
postponed, it being thought impossible to manage the society with- 
out a business meeting once a year. Joshua Manwaring was 
elected president; Daniel West, vice-president; Nettie Comstock, 
secretary. 

The reunion for this year w^as held June 17, 1880, at Imlay 
City. This meeting was a great success as regards members and 
enthusiasm, but no business was done, nor any history added to the 
records here, and this year, strange to say, no deaths w^ere reported 
among the old pioneers. 

The next meeting was held at Lapeer, February 10, 1881. On 
account of the excitement attending the examination of Mrs. Nettie 
M. Barnard, accused of the murder of Mrs. Charlotte Curtis, then 
going on at the court-house, but a quorum was present. It was 
decided here that the winter meetings should be strictly business 
meetings. Daniel West was elected president; Joshua Manwaring, 
vice-president, and Nettie Comstock, secretary. The deaths of Mrs 
Sarah Barrows, wife of Eber Barrows, the pioneer of Metamora 
village; ani of Mrs. Sophronia Pitcher, wife of Geo. Pitcher, and 
sister of Mrs. Barrows, also of Metamora, were reported. 

The reunion was held at Hunter's Creek, June 23, 1881. An- 
other effort was made here to amend the constitution, and the reso- 
lution laid on tlie table according to the rules. The archives of the 
society, which were in a state of great confusion, were placed at the 
disposal of a committee who instructed the secretary to engross 
them in a book provided for the purpose. The death of Hon. 
Frank Kendrick, son of Geo. Kendrick, who was one of the early 
pioneers of Dryden, was reported; also of Joseph Bristol, vice-pres- 
ident of the society in 1875, a resident of Almont; and of his sister, 
Mrs. Diana Smith, of Imlay, who were a son and daughter cf Beza- 
leel Bristol, a pioneer in Almont, of 1830. The annual business 
meeting for 1882 was held at Manwaring Hall, Lapeer, February 
9, 1882. Sheldon Bristol was elected president; Dennis Griggs, 
vice-president; Nettie Comstock, secretary. The resolution to 
amend the constitution was taken from the table, and after long 
debate returned to the table, and a committee appointed to thor- 
oughly revise the constitution and by-laws. The deaths of Eev. 
James Hemingway, of Hadley, father of WiUiam Hemingway, of 
Lapeer, and John and James M. Hemingway, of Hadley, at the 
age of ninety-three; of Mrs. Margaret Halpin, a resident of Lapeer 
Township for nearly forty years; of Mrs. Clarissa HartweU, iden- 
tified with the Hadley Baptist Church and Society for more than 
forty years, were reported, and the Hon. J. B. Wilson invited to 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



29 



read a paper, at the June reunion, to be held at Hadley, June 
15, 1882. 

The reunion of June, 1882, was held at the Hadley Fair 
Ground, and was a most pleasant meeting. J. J. Watkins, his- 
torian of the society, delivered a historical address, and Hon. J. B. 
Wilson gave his recollections of a fifty years' residence in Michigan. 
Many old pioneers were present, among others Kev. Mr. Potter, the 
veteran Baptist minister, Eussell Cobb, and Robert Davenport and 
Gardner Dexter. The deaths of Mark Halpin, a pioneer of Lapeer 
Township; of Mrs. Betsy Farrar, widow ©f William Farrar, a 
pioneer of Hadley, of 1837, at the age of eighty-eight years; of Dan- 
iel Hartwell, at the age of eighty-nine, for more than forty years 
the deacon of the Hadley Baptist Church; of Mrs. Eunice Bruce, a 
pioneer of Elba, of 1840, and of John A. Merritt, a pioneer of Meta- 
mora, of 1838, were reported: 

The annual business meeting for 1883 was held at Manwaring 
Hall, Lapeer, February 8, 1883. The society at this meeting ap- 
pointed Messrs. J. Manwaring, J. B. Wilson, and J. J. Watkins as 
delegates to the next meeting of the State Pioneer Society, and the 
following resolution was presented and unanimously carried. 

Besolved, That our senator and representatives in the legislat- 
ure are requested to introduce a bill, authorizing ^the boards of 
supervisors to vote such sum or sums of money as may be neces- 
sary to furnish a complete history of the township; this appropria- 
tion to be made to the County Pioneer Societies, to enable them to 
make a complete history of the respective counties. A new consti- 
tution and by-laws were presented by the committee, and after some 
debate, was left in their hands for correction and revision, and by 
vote of the society the old officers were re-elected viva voce. 

The reunion was held June 21, 1883, at Dryden village. A 
large crowd gathered in the orchard of Ethan Squier, the pioneer 
of Dryden village. 

The death roll was long and sad : Mrs. Ehzabeth Lamb, widow 
of John M. Lamb, once a very prominent man in the county; 
EHsha Farnum, one of the oldest pioneers of Almont; Mrs. Asa 
Richards and Mrs. Hollenbeck, of Marathon ; Mrs. Polly Hart, the 
last survivor of the heads of the three famihes who settled Hadley 
village in 1835; Mrs. Fitch, for many years a resident of Almont 
and Hadley, and John M. Hemingway, son of the Rev. James 
Hemingway, a pioneer of Hadley of 1837, and at his death super- 
visor of that township, were reported as having died during the year. 

Hon. J. B. Wilson gave a sketch of the early history of Arca- 
dia, and Yirgil Parmlee and Mrs. Carpenter some reminiscences 
of their labors as teachers forty years and more ago, and the society 
adjourned to meet in Lapeer, February, J 884. 

AGKICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

The Lapeer County Agricultural Society was formally organized 
in August, 1883, and the following officers were elected: — Presi- 
dent, Geo. N. Turrill; vice-president, Hoel Palmerlee; treasurer, 
John Dodds; secretary, John Abbott; directors, Geo. P. Chapman, 
Myron Snyder, William Halpin, John A. Buerger, Henry Lee, and 
the president, secretary, treasurer and vice-president. The society 
determined to issue stock and complete the track at once. Twenty 
acres of ground were purchased about one -half mile south of the 
business portion of the city of Lapeer, and improvements imme- 
diately commenced. The track is a half mile in length, and great 
pains are being taken with its construction. The society is a joint 
stock association. 

This is the third county agricultural society that has been 
organized in this county. At an early day fairs were held on 
ground south of the court-house, that is covered now with build- 
ings. In 1878 a society was organized, of which Daniel West was 
president; John Abbott, secretary; and Joshua Manwaring, treas- 



urer. Grounds were rented and fairs held three times, after which 
the society disorganized. The plan upon which the present society 
is organized seems to warrant continued success. 

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

The Lapeer County Horticultural Society was organized 
February 10, 1882, with fifty members. Officers: President, F. 
McElroy; vice-president, Henry Lee; Secretary, H.' W. Davis; 
treasurer, John Abbott. 

LAPEER COUNTY GRANGE. 

The grangers of Lapeer County met at Attica Grange Hall 
November 5, 1880, pursuant to notice, and organized a Pomona 
grange, assisted by C. L. Whitney, lecturer of State Grange, with 
the following names as officers: Master, W. A. Montgomery; over- 
seer, JohnF. Muir; lecturer, William North; steward, H. Brad- 
shaw; assistant steward, R. H. William; Chaplain, N. Burley; 
treasurer, E. Bartlett; secretary, G. W. Rudd; gate keeper, S. D. 
Nye; Ceres, Mrs. S. G. Muir; Flora, Mrs. N. H. Bradshaw; 
Pomona, Mrs. M. Lockwood; lady assistant steward, Mrs. F. 
Howard. 

The officers for 1888 are as follows: Master, Elijah Bartlett; 
overseer, Harrison Bradshaw; secretary, Jacob W. Shell ; trersurer, 
Philander H. Foot; chaplain, Henry Seaman; lecturer, Benjamin 
Spencer; steward, William A. Montgomery; lady assistant steward 
Phoebe M. Howard; Ceres, Ellen L. Bartlett; Flora, Sarah J. Muir; 
Pomona, Mrs. Harrison Bradshaw; gate keeper, J. F. Muir. 
Meetings are held once every three months. The membership is 
about seventy-five. Eight granges are included in the county 
grange, viz: Dryden, Attica, Goodland, Sharps Corners, Elm 
Creek, Burlington, Deeriield and Lapeer. 

The Lapeer County Bible Society was organized in 1842, and 
is still actively maintained .*♦ •♦ 

There are also the Medical and Bar Associations. 
veterans' association. 

The Lapeer County Veterans' Association, composed of the 
soldiers and sailors of the county who were in mihtary service, was 
permanently organized in June, 1880, and officered as follows: 
President, Maynard Butts; vice-presidents, Henry K. White, 
Wilham Henderson; secretary, George W. Stone; treasurer, Henry 

A. Birdsall. 

At the annual meeting in August, 1883, the following officers 
were elected: President, George Davenport, Hadley; vice-presidents, 
Daniel West, Attica, Nicholp.s Brown. Columbiaville ; treas- 
surer, L. W. Hinman, Lapeer; secretary, H. C. Spencer, Hadley; 
colonel. Col. L. Y. Struble, Attica; lieutenant colonel, E. R. Red- 
field, Lapeer; major, A. B. Weston, North Branch; adjutant, M. 

B. Bolton, Lapeer; quartermaster, J. A. Buerger Lapeer; chap- 
lain, Rev. Parmenter, North Branch. 

The treasurer's report shows the receipts and expenditures for 
the past year, as follows : 

Total receipts |64 14 

Total expenditures 59 16 

Balance in treasury $ 4 99 

Three members of the association have died within the last 
year. 

FIRST SPIRITUALIST SOCIETY. 

The First Spirituahst Society of Lapeer was organized at a 
meeting held in the township of Oregon, February 16, 1873. The 
officers were as follows : President, Oliver E. West; vice-president, 
Maria Clark; secretary, Maria Sims; treasurer, Mary. A. Carpenter; 
corresponding secretary, Lydia C. Houghson. The regular quarterly 
meetings at Lapeer and vicinity. In 1883 John 0. Bruce is 
president, and Lucy E. Owen, secretary. 






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30 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY 



ft 



STATISTICAL. 

The census of 1840 was taken by Noah H. Hart; there was 
a total population in the county of 3,364, as follows: 

MALES. FEMALES. TOTAL. 

Bristol, now Almont 444 444 888 

Dryden 435 372 807 

Lapeer 401 354 755 

Hadley 199 172 371 

Metamora 181 170 351 

Elba 57 43 100 

Marathon 52 40 92 

The total population in 1850, 7,029; in 1860, 14,754; in 1870, 

21,344; in 1874, 25,140. 

According to the census of 1880, the population was as fol- 
lows: 

Almont (including village, 837) , 2,050 

Attica Township 1,911 

Arcadia 1,043 

Burlington 1,252 

Burnside 1,060 

Dryden 1,535 

Deerfield 1,001 

Elba , 1,291 

Goodland 1,241 

Hadley 1,474 

Imlay (including Imlay City, 971) 2,400 

Lapeer Township 1,166 

City of Lapeer 2,914 

First Ward City 548 

Second Ward City 898 

Third Ward City 393 

Fourth Ward City 1,075 

Marathon 1,667 

Mayfield 1,733 

Metamora Township 1,384 

North Branch 1,655 

Oregon 1,420 

Kich 882 

Total 30,079 

Whole number of farms in county, 3,580; number of manu- 
facturing establishments in the county, producing at least $500 
annually, including cost of material, 186; number of deaths in the 
county during the census year (May 31, 1879, to June 1, 1880, 
were 357, 36 of which were in Lapeer City. 

The total equalized valuation of real and personal property in 
the several townships in 1882 was as follows: 

Almont I 1,314,000 

Attica 540,000 

Arcadia 324,000 

Burnside 495,000 

Burlington 382,000 

Dryden 873,000 

Deerfield 265,000 

Elba 549,000 

Goodland 306,000 

Hadley 792,000 

Imlay 450,000 

Lapeer . 697,000 

Mayfield , 504,000 

Metamora 810,000 

Marathon 540,000 

North Branch , 405 OOO 

Oregon ...!!.'*.*..".'.'.' 387,000 

I^ich 270,000 

Lapeer City 1,143,000 

Total 111,046,000 

The following is the amount of State tax proportioned to 
Lapeer County for the year 1883: 

University | 550 OO 

University — general and other expenses 597 04 



Normal School 370 98 

Normal School; — grading grounds, etc., 125 58 

Agricultural College — general and other expenses 516 44 

State PubHc School 735 06 

Michigan School for the Blind — general and other ex- 
penses 1,093 76 

Institution for the Deaf and Dumb — general and other 

expenses 1,036 39 

State Eeform School — current expenses 722 22 

State Industrial Home for Girls — general and other ex- 
penses 1,056 96 

State House of Correction — building, etc 115 55 

Asylum for Insane — eastern — additional power boiler . . 54 74 

Asylum for Insane — Michigan — building, etc 194 20 

Asylum for Insane — new — building, etc 3,209 88 

Asylum for Insane — criminal — building, etc 962 96 

Board of Fish Commissioners 320 99 

State Board of Health . 32 10 

Military purposes 919 18 

Eehef of Sufferers by fire of 1881 1,105 80 

Paving Cooper Street in Jackson 52 96 

General purposes 9,805 79 

Aggregate of tax to be apportioned $23,667 58 



TOWN OF ALMONT. 

BY DR. WILLIAM B. HAMILTON. 

The town of Almont occupies the southeastern corner of 
Lapeer County. It is bounded on the north by Imlay, on 
the east by St. Clair County, on the south by Macomb County, and 
west by the town of Dryden. 

It) was in this township that the first settlers in Lapeer County 
located, hence it is a section of teriitory full of historic interest. 

In 1840 the town had a population of 888. 

Census of 1874: Population, 2,056; acres of taxable land, 
21,836; of improved land, 14,902; No. of sheep, 6,586; of swine, 
779; neat cattle, other than oxen and cows, one year old and over, 
1,199; of milch cows, 670. Products of preceding year: 34,107 
pounds of wool, 9,950 pounds of cheese, and 69,950 of butter; 
41,287 bushels of wheat, 46,515 of corn, 53,952 of other grain, 
21,035 of apples, 461 of pears, 604 of: cherries, 1,200 pounds of 
grapes, 19 bushels of strawberries, 12,150 bushels of potatoes and 
2,949 tons of hay; 305 barrels of cider were made. In 1874 9,738 
pounds of maple sugar were made. 

In^l880 the population of the town and village was 2,050. 

The aggregate valuation of real and personal property as 
equalized by the board of supervisors in 1882 was f 1,314,000. 

The following Hst shows by whom the first entries of land 
were made: 



Section 1. 



Section 2. 



Section 3. 



LAND ENTRIES PRIOR TO 1846, 

TOWNSmP 6 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST. 

Calvin A. Shaw, October 15, 1835. 
Joseph Warner, October 15, 1835. 
Henry Waldron, May 28, 1836. 
Eben B. Morehouse, June 9, 1836. 
Levi C. Turner, June 9, 1836.' 
Henry Waldron, May 28, 1836. 
Nelson Kirby, June 3, 1836. 
Abner Cook, Jr., June 9, 1836. 
Levi C. Turner, June 9. 1836. 
Luther Shaw, October 15, 1835, 
Lyman Wheeler, November 6, 1835, 
Luther Shaw, March 24, 1836, 



W 







Res. of.W.H, Lou ks. Lapeer .Tr Lapcer Co.mic 



±: 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



31 



Section 3. 



Section 4. 



Amos Hewitt, April 27, 1836. 

Orris Smith, April 27, 1836. 

Luther Shaw, April 27, 1836. 

Daniel Matthews, May 2, 1836. 

Henry Waldroii, May 28, 1836. 

Truman Shaw, July 6, 1836. 

EHsha Lee, March 4, 1836. 

Lydia E. S. Chamberlain, February 1, 1828. 

EHsha Webster, February 14, 1829. 

Samuel Deneen, February 24, 1831. 

Marshal Crane, January 15, 1833. 

Cyrus Boles, October 10, 1834. 

Joseph B. Deneen, November 12, 1834. 

Varnum Wilcox, June 20, 1835. 

Alvin Cheney, July 11, 1836.' 

Samuel Deneen, May 28, 1836. 

John Shaw, January 18, 1837. 
Section 5. Erastus Day, July 14, 1829. 

Ephraim Chamberlain, October 29, 1830. 

Gilbert King, December 16, 1834. 

Varnum Wilcox, June 20, 1835. 

N. Dickinson, W. H. Imlay and George Beach, March 
7, 1836. 

Eichard Nelson, April 21, 1836. 

Harvey Wilcox, February 24, 1836. 
Section 6. Peter Aldrich, Jr., February 26, 1831. 

Peter Aldrich, May 9, 1831. 

Gad Chamberlain, April 25, 1833. 

J. D. Baldwin and Sylvester G. Abbott, February 20, 
1836. 

Nathan Dickinson, WilHam H. Imlay and George 
Beach, March 7 and May 10, 1836. 

David Clark, June 23, 1826. 
Section 7. Hiram Wilcox, June 5, 1835. 

John Taylor, Jr., March 14, 1836. 

Hermanns B. Fall, May 10, 1836. 

William H. Imlay, May 10, 1836. 

Nathan Dickinson, WilHam H. Imlay and George 
Beach, May 24, 1836. 

Brainard Boot, June 25, 1836. 

John Taylor, September 6, 1831. 

James Deneen, October 29, 1834. 
Asahel Wilcox, May 19, 1835. 
James Deneen, July 9, 1835. 
David T. Smith, November 6, 1835. 

Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 
Beach, May 24, 1836. 
Section 9. James Deneen, October 16, 1828. 
Abner H. Fisher, May 24, 1831. 
John Taylor, September 6, 1831. 
Josiah Fletcher, February 7, 1833. 
Josiah Fletcher, September 24, 1833. 
Varnum Wilcox, November 1, 1833. 
Harvey Wilcox, November 1, 1833. 
Daniel Freeman, October 16, 1834. 
David Paddock, November 5, 1835. 
Section 10. EHsha Lee, March 4, 1837. 

WilHam C. Baldwin, October 17, 1832. 
Hiram Wilcox, November 1, 1833. 
Kichard Nelson, April 21, 1836. 
Henry Waldron, May 23, 1836. 
Henry Waldron, May 28, 1836. 
John Shaw^ May 28, 1836. 



Section 10. 



Section 11. 



Section 12. 
Section 13. 



Section 14. 



Section 15. 



Section 16. 



Section 8. 



Section 17. 



Section 18. 
Section 19. 



Section 20. 



John S. Peck, June 9, 1836. 

Adam Boles, July 16, 1836. 

Adam Boles, November 22, 1836. 

James W. Sleeper, December 26, 1836. 

Benjamin Hurlburt, May 10, 1836. 

Henry Waldron, May 23, 1836. 

Henry Waldron, May 28, 1836. 

Nelson Kirby and Gardner Carr, June 3, 1836. 

EHsha Lee, March 4, 1837. 

Levi Bannister, May 10, 1836. 

WilHam W. Green, February 17, 1836. 

James C. WaHack, April 22, 1836. 

Thomas Durkee, May 6, 1836. 

Nelson Draper, November 19, 1836. 

Samson SaHsbury, December 26, 1836. 

John Stephens, January 7, 1845, 

Walter Thompson, April 25, 1836. 

Alexander Jackels, May 3, 1836. 

WilHam H. King, May 6, 1836. 

Thomas Durkee, May 6 and 12, 1836. 

Lewis Alverson, May 18, 1836. 

Otho BeH, June 2, 1836. 

Gardner Carr, June 16, 1836. 

Mary HolHster, May 29, 1828. 

WiHiam Boles, July 22, 1833. 

Benjamin Sleeper, October 29, 1833. 

Adam Boles, May 21, 1834. 

Stephen Smith, June 7, 1834. 

Adam Boles, October 2, 1834. 

Benjamin Sleeper, May 21, 1836. 

Hiram L. Salsbury, July 11, 1836. 

Otho BeH, August 4, 1836. 

Daniel C. Bacon, October' 17, 1842. 

A. E. Fisher, November 2, 1842. 

A. Fisher, November 2, 1842. 

E. DeLong, June 5, 1843. 

E. S. Curtis, December 14, 1844. 
David IngaUs, November 11, 1842. 

E. T. Curtis, February 23, 1843. 

Y. B. Humphrey, September 4, 1843. 
Anson Humphrey, September 4, 1843. 
Daniel Black, September 24, 1843. 

EHsha Farnum, September 19, 1835. 
Clark Bates, November 7, 1835. 
Leonard Wells, December 16, 1835. 
Elvin King, January 29, 1836. 
Nathan Dickinson, William H. 

Beach, May 24, 1836. 
Stephen Briggs, June 13, 1836. 
Nathan Dickinson, William H. 

Beach, March 14 and March 24, 1836. 
WilHam Vandebogart, December 7, 1835. 
David Weeks, December 11, 1835. 
Dickmson, Imlay and Beach, May 2 and 10, 1836. 
Nathan Dickinson, June 17, 1836. 
Nathan Dickinson, WilHam H. Imlay and George 

Beach, May 24, 1836. 
E. H. Hough and J. B. Hough, May 8, 1834. 
James Andrews, May 17, 1834. 
WilHam King, June 11, 1834. 
Milton Fox, September 25, 1834. 
Harvey A. Newberry, September 25, 1834. 



Imlay and George 



Imlay and George 






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t N 



-i 5) 



fe* 



32 



HISTOKY OF LAPEEK COUNTY. 



Section 20. Cyrus Humphrey, June 9, 1835. 

Davis Newberry, June 9, 1835. 

Dickinson, Imlay & Beach, March 29, 1836. 

Nathan Dickinson, June 17, 1836. 
Section 21. Daniel Black, June 6, 1833. 

Daniel Black, July 13, 1833. 

Edward H. and John B. Hough, May 8, 1834. 

Philo Farnam, Jr., May 29, 1834. 

W. H. Wing, June 4, 1834. 

Jonathan 0. Freeman, June 7, 1834. 

Henry H. Newberry, September 25, 1834. 

Cyrus Humphrey, October 11, 1834. 

Philo Farnam, Jr., October 13, 1834. 

James McCoy, April 25, 1835. 

Henry H. Wing, October 16, 1835. 
Section 22. Nicholas Eichardson, May 17, 1831. 

Otho Bell, May 26, 1831. 

Wilham F. Teed, March 12, 1834. 

James H. Kidder, April 17, 1834. 

Jonas Cutler, April 18, 1834. 

James H. Kidder, May 7, 1834. 

Ganet Schenk, June 26, 1 834. 

John A. Conklin, October 1, 1835. 
Section 23. Nathan Eogers, May 17, 1833. 

Oliver Bristol, February 5, 1836. 

Eufus Beall, March 19, 1836. 

Zadock H. Hallock, April 22, 1836. 

Wilham H. Wing, May 6, 1836. 

Ira C. Day, May 21, 1836. 

David Ingalls, October 26, 1836. 

Ehsha Lee, March 4, 1837. 
Section 24. Zadock H. Hallock, April 22, 1836. 

Lemuel Pratt, April 22, 1836. 

Thomas Durkee, May 6, 1836. 

Samuel Salisbury, July 11, 1836. 
Section 25. Zadock H. Hallock, April 22, 1836. 

Thomas E. Hallock, April 22, 1836. 

John W, Thompson, May 25, 1836. 
William Thompson, May 25, 1836. 
Benjamin B. Kercheval, December 27, 1836. 
John Eobb, August 23, 1841. 
John Marshall, May 31, 1842. 
Thomas B. Haliock, June 8, 1836. 
Section 26. Nathan Eogerc, Jr., May 17, 1833. 
Eufus Prentice, October 1, 1833. 
Eobert A. Qtiatermass, October 24, 1835. 
Charles W. Eichardson, April 7, 1836. 
Eebecca Day, May 21, 1836. 
Wilham Thompson, May 25, 1836. 
David Ingalls, October 26, 1836. 
Ehsha Lee, March 4, 1837. 
Section 27. Oliver Bristol, October 6, 1830. 
Otho Bell, May 26, 1831. 
Ira S. Saunders, September 23, 1833. 
Wilham F. Teed, August 8, 1834. 
Giles Wickwire, October 14, 1834. 
Wesley Piatt, October 15, 1834. 
Eobert A. Quatermass, October 24, 1835. 
Harvey Carpenter, November 16, 1835. 
Eufus Beall, March 19, 1836. 
Section 28. Jonathan Sleeper, November 23, 1830. 

Walter K. and Ebenezer Hough, September 23, 1833. 
James Taylor, May 7, 1834. 



Section 28. Jonathan C. Freeman, June 7, 1834. 

Wilham E. Gardner, September 19, 1834. 

Garry Goodrich, May 6, 1836. 
Section 29. Jedediah E. Hough, March 22, 1834. 

Edward H. and John B. Hough, May 8, 1834. 

William King, June 11, 1834. 

Washington Allen, November 7, 1834. 

Josiah Banghart, April 4, 1835. 

Simeon Balch, June 15, 1835. 

WiUard Wales, July 16, 1835. 

Josiah Banghart, November 18, 1835. 
Section 30. Willard Wales, April 3, 1835. 

Almeron W. Wales, April 3, 1835. 

John J. Joshn, March 22, 1836. 

Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 
Beach, May 2, 1836. 

Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 
Beach, May 10, 1836. 
Section 31. John T. Smith, November 13, 1834. 

Philip Smith, January 20, 1835. 

Van Eensselaer Beach, March 20, 1835. 

Almeron W. Wales, April 3, 1835. 

John De Witt, June 10, 1835. 

Hezekiah Wyncoop, July 4, 1835. 

Edgar T. Leet, July 4, 1835. 

Van Eensselaer Beach, July 24, 1835. 

Ora Beach, August 22, 1835. 

Eufus Palen, September 17, 1835. 

Schuyler Irish, October 22, 1835. 

Schuyler Irish, May 31, 1836. 
Section 32. Ben Taggert, October 30, 1830. 

Nathaniel Smith, February 14, 1834. 

Witherell Hough, October 28, 1834. 

Oliver Smith, November 3, 1834. 

Samuel Johnson, November 7, 1834. 

Hannah Palen, June 29, 1835. 

Hiram Hoit, Septeml^er 21, 1835. 
Section 33. David IngaUs, October 30, 1830. 

Bezaleel Bristol, July 16, 183L 

Walter H. and Ebenezer Hough, September 23, 1833. 

Nathaniel Smith, July 2, 1835. 

Nathaniel Smith, September 16, 1835. 

Samuel Johnson, November 28, 1835. 

John S. Smith, June 27, 1836. 
Section 34. Diana Kittredge, May 27, 1828. 

Elijah M. Sanborn, June 26, 1830 

Benjamin Taggert, October 30, 1830. 

John E. Walden, July 9, 1832. 

George H. Holden, September 26, 1833. 

Philip S. Frisbie, July 21, 1834. 

Mark Winchal, December 11, 1834. 

William Whitney, July 9, 1835. 
Section 35. Eufus Beall, May 26, 1831. 

Joshua Smith, June 21, 1833. 

John Taylor, June 21, 1833. 

John Hopkin, June 29, 1833. 

William Eobertson, June 29, 1833. 

Giles Wickwire, October 14, 1833. 

Avery Eeniff, February 1, 1836. 
Section 36. James Thomson, June 12, 1833. 

Wilham Thompson, May 25, 1836. 

Hoyer G. Kittredge, October 26, 1836. 
Seymour P. Fletcher, October 26, 1836. 



1^ <i 



>v 



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^ 



HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



33 



Section 86. Hutcliins Washburne, October 27, 1836. 
BeymourP. Fletcher, October 31, 1836. 



EAELY HISTOEY. 

The first trace we can find in the memory of the ^'oldest inhab- 
itant," of the opening up of our beautiful township to the ad- 
venturous white man, takes us back to 1827. In that year Wilham 
Allen, his son, G. W. Allen, and James Thorington, with Levi 
Washburn as hunter and guide, from the neighborhood of the town- 
ship of Washington, with invading axes cut a road through north- 
ward, near the present main street of our village, to the pineries 
beyond. Tradition says they found the road about as hard to 
travel as the famous Jordan of the song, and that when they 
**pitched their nightly tents" they were serenaded in such lively 
style by roving bands of wolves that sleep forsook their mossy pil- 
lows, and daylight was welcomed with more than usual pleasure. 
They found here a fine tract of country, offering great inducements 
to the farmer; the southern portion somewhat rolling and consist- 
ing in great part of windfall land and oak-openings; the northern 
more level and covered with heavy timber, mostly beech and maple, 
intermingled with strips of pine. 

The first purchase of land in the township was made in the 
spring of 1828, by Lydia Chamberlin, the east one-half northeast 
quarter of section 5. In the fall of the same year James Deneen 
bought from government, and actually settled upon the west one- 
half northeast quarter section 9. To him belongs the distinction 
of being the leading pioneer of this township and county. For two 
years he was the only one, his nearest neighbors being some ten 
miles to the southward, while away to the northwest lay the great 
Saginaw Valley, now crowded with cities and villages; then known 
only as the seat of an obscure trading post. Mr. Deneen went to 
Cahfornia in the height of the gold fever, and soon after died there. 
Honor to the pioneer hero ! 

Next came Jonathan Sleeper, who settled in the fall of 1830, on 
east one-half northeast quarter section 28. He built a log house on 
the south end of the lot, nearly one-half mile south of the center of 
our village. Opposite, on the east side of the road, the same fall, 
Oliver Bristol built a frame house, the first in the town, and still 
standing in good preservation; and next May, 1831, he moved in 
with his family. His brother, Bezaleel Bristol, came with him, 
and located near by. A little farther south, on the town line, 
Elijah Sanborn bought in 1830, and settled in 1831. Those were 
trying times for the hardy pioneers, and we in our days of compara- 
. tive ease and luxury, earned by their labors, can hardly reahze how 
much they had to endure. Mr. Sanborn came in March, but the 
winter was unusually prolonged by a heavy fall of snow in April, 
and he had to feed to his stock his scanty store of flour and even 
the straw from the family bedticks to keep the animals alive, while 
he went an arduous journey of twenty miles to Troy for supphes. 
Mr. Sleeper was a poor man, and was obliged to leave home and 
work in the settlements south in order to support his family while 
clearing up his farm. While he was absent the wolves were im- 
pudent enough to come right up to the doorstep and even put their 
feet on the window sill and look into the house. Imagine the feel- 
ings of a lonely woman, with her little ones, under such circum- 
stances. About this time these ferocious animals killed and de- 
voured a valuable cow belonging to Oliver Bristol, a sufficient proof 
of their power and murderous intentions. In those days a tub of 
soap grease left out over night was pretty sure to be gone in the 
morning, and the smaller kinds of stock had to be carefully housed 
up in order to preserve them. The writer remembers hearing the 
howl of the wolves as late as 1843 in a swamp in the southeast 



corner of the township, about the time when they killed seven 
sheep in one night for Beeves Hallock just over the line in Berlin. 

EARLY EVENTS, 

In 1830 the first birth among the white settlers took place, 
that of Anna Deneen, daughter of James Deneen. This lady, now 
the widow of Chas. Walker, still Hves on the old homestead. She 
was the first white person born in Lapeer County. The first fu- 
neral also occurred this year, that of an infant son of Bezaleel 
Bristol. On this occasion the first or second sermon ever delivered 
in Lapeer County was preached by ** old Father Abel Warren," as 
he was famiharly called. Mr. Warren belonged to the M. E. 
Church and was the pioneer preacher of a large tract of wilderness, 
embracing this and several adjoining counties. He must have been 
a man of many sterling qualities of brain and heart, judging from 
the success of his heroic labors and the affectionate remembrance 
in which he is still held by the surviving pioneers. 

In January, 1832, the first wedding took place. Cullen Baldwin 
was married to Nancy Elderken by Father Warren, at the house of 
Oliver Bristol. The happy couple settled in Bruce, but afterward 
moved to this township. Both have since died ; Mr. Baldwin only 
a year ago at Borneo. 

John Walden came in the spring of 1832 and died in the fall of 
1833, being the first adult white man known to have died in the 
township. Abner Fisher, Wm. Boles, Josiah Sleeper, Benj. Sleeper, 
Phihp Frisbie and father, and others were added to the settlement 
at this time. David Ingalls came in 1829, bought in 1830, built in 
1831 and settled in 1836. 

In 1833 there was a notable increase in the number of actual 
settlers. David Taylor, John Hopkins, James Thompson and Wm. 
Eobertson commenced the Scotch settlement in the southeast. In 
the winter Nathaniel Smith and in the faU Philip Smith located in 
the southwest, while Bradford, Phihp and Varnum Wilcox and 
Ehsha Webster settled in the northwest, where, a year after, the 
latter built a saw -mill, which was for a long time the only one in 
town. In July of this year, also, the first house, a log one, was 
built on the site of the present village of Almont, on the spot now 
occupied by the Eobertson Block. Daniel Black was the owner and 
builder, and to him belongs the title of founder of the village. James 
Thompson is one of the few men now amongst us who assisted at 
the raising. 

As early as the winter of 1834, Mr. Black kept a sort of tavern 
in his log house. He had to go to Pontiac and take out a license at 
a cost of f 18, and then had to keep two extra beds and stabling for 
two spans of horses in order to comply with the law. He had sev- 
eral dances and the young people used to come to them from Eoches- 
ter and Utica. Considering the state of the roads in those days, this 
certainly showed a great deal of enterprise in the pursuit of pleasure 
under difficulties. Mr. Black was present at the first court held in 
Lapeer County in 1837. He was township collector ten years in 
succession, being very accommodating in dealing with the poor set- 
tlers, taking ashes, black salts, oats — anything they had that was 
merchantable — in payment of taxes. 

Bears were very abundant a year or two previous to this, and 
Oliver Bristol had a rather exciting adventure with one near the site 
of the present Congregational Church. He was a cripple at the 
time, the result of a limb fractured some six months before. He 
had fired at the bear, wounding and knocking it down. When com- 
mencing to reload he perceived the bear, a very large one, making 
toward him. He turned to run but his crippled leg failed him. 
His only recourse was to reload. With a few of the liveliest mo- 
tions he ever made in his life, he did so, and dropped the powder in 
the pan of his old flint-lock just as Bruin rose to receive him with open 



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34 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



±^4 



arms. But for the lucky sbot that followed, the name of Oliver 
Bristol would probably have figured no more in this eventful 
history. 

Quite a large influx of population took pkee in 1834. Six fam- 
ilies of Houghs, viz: those of Witherell, Jedediah, Edward, Ebenezer, 
Walter K. and John B., with James Taylor, James Andrus, Elisha 
Farnum, Cyrus Humphrey, Otis Freeman, Wilham and Harrison 
King, James H. Kidder, Stephen Smith, Milton Fox, Willard 
Wales and Josiah Banghart were added to the number of influential 
citizens. Nicholas Kichardson had come in 1833, but did not settle 
till 1834. Simeon Balch and Clark Bates came a year later. As an 
illustration of the pluck and energy commonly shown by those en- 
terprising men, this circumstance is related in regard to Mr. James 
Andrus. He reached this place on the 12th of May, chose a loca- 
tion one and one -fourth miles west on the 13th, traveled on foot to 
Detroit on the 14th, bought his land and walked back on the 15th, 
reaching Black's a little after sundown. During the two days he 
was gone, his son, James H., worked alone, cutting the first road 
west from the village, and inside of two weeks from their first ar- 
rival, the family were snugly fixed in a comfortable log house on the 
new farm. 

This year was also rendered notable by the organization of the 
township and the holding of the first town meeting. At this elec- 
tion thirteen votes were cast — not as many votes as there were 
offices. Those must have been rare times for office-seekers! Oli- 
ver Bristol, Democrat, was elected supervisor, and for two years 
went as such to Pontiac, the county seat of Oakland County, as La- 
peer County was not then fuUy organized. This year also witnessed 
the foundation of our school system. 

Nicholas Kichardson was one of our first highway commission- 
ers. Some idea may be formed of the state of the roads in those 
days from the fact that he pronounced it utterly impossible to make 
a road on the site of our present beautiful gravel turnpike to 
Komeo. 

Dr. Caleb Carpenter, the pioneer physician, settled in the vil- 
lage this year. Dr. Lute followed in a year or two, in the south- 
west part of the town. 

About the close of the patriot war there was a free immigra- 
tion from Canada, and the town became quite populous, so that in 
this brief sketch we can no longer mention all the names. Sev- 
eral families of Churchills and Edgertons were among these new 
comers. But little wild land was now left untaken. 

The Scotch settlement was largely reinforced by the numerous 
families of Cochranes, Mortons, Millikins, Hamiltons, Muirs, Mairs, 
Marshals, Fergusons, Reids, Braidwoods and Patons, with John 
Wason, Wm. Wallace and others, and these added largely by their 
industry and thrift to the material prosperity of the town. 

Zadoc H. Hallock came in 1838 and settled one-half mile east, 
where he still lives, and cut the first road and took the first wagon 
through eastward into Berlin ; Joshua Smith and Thomas Morton set- 
tled by the "Red Run" in 1838, of whom the latter might be styled 
the /-advance guard" of the army of Scotch who followed after 1840. 
Mark Farley in 1840, David and Wm. Clark in 1838 and 1840, and 
Virgil Parmlee were added to the settlement north. The Chas. Ken- 
netts, Sr. and Jr., Solon Spaftord and Wm. Nichols also came about 
the same time. Adam Watson and J. G. Thurston came two or 
three years later, 

SQUIKKEL HUNT. 

The summer of 1843 is probably remembered by many on 
account of a grand squirrel hunt in which the whole town took part, 
the north part being pitted against the south. It was arranged in 
connection with the second celebration of the 4th of July. A dinner 
was to be provided by contributions from the farmers, and fifty 



squirrel tails were required from a man and twenty-five from a boy 
to entitle him to a seat at the table. The hunt lasted a week, and 
almost any one who chose to try could secure the requisite number, 
so exceedingly plentiful was the game. The result of the hunt was 
5,700 tails, the southern division being victors. A grand joUification 
followed. There was a procession, the marshals being Wm. Myers 
and John Colwell, familiarly known as Colonel Windy. Then fol- 
lowed the dinner with toasts and speeches. 

At the breaking out of the Mexican war in 1846, Almont sent 
a delegation of four meu, viz: John C. Hincks, Thomas Goetchius, 
Theodore Banghart and Albert Sv-ihenck. 

During the decade between 1840 and 1850 the political com- 
plexion of the town changed. D. W. Taylor, Democrat, was super- 
visor in 1843 and 1844; James Taylor, Democrat, from 1845 to 
1848 inclusive; Calvin A. Shaw, Whig, in 1849 and 1850. 

During the years between 1850 and 1860 the town partook in 
the great political excitements that convulsed the country, and was 
the scene of many enthusiastic mass-meetings addressed by mighty 
stump orators, such as George W. Peck, George C. Bates, Crofoot, 
Baldwin, Blair, Chandler and others. In 1851 Z. H. Hallock, 
Democrat, was elected supervisor and re-elected in 1852, James 
Taylor, Democrat, was elected again in 1853, and retained in office 
four years. In 1857 the town yielded to the pressure of the times, 
and became Republican, Samuel Carpenter, supervisor. D. E. 
Hazen was elected in 1858 and 1859, and Hiram Howland in 1860, 
both Republicans. It is worthy of note here that Mr. John Rat- 
tray, Sr., became justice of the peace in 1857, and has been con- 
tinued in that office to the present date. In the summer of 1858 
we lost one of our most esteemed public men, Mr. James Taylor, 
by accidental drowning. 

During this decade population had continued to increase till, in 
1860, the votes cast for supervisor were 409, the total population 
being about 2,000 — nearly double that of 1850. 

To the call for men during the war for the Union, Almont re- 
sponded with energy and enthusiasm, two companies being organ- 
ized here and many men furnished to other organizations, and not 
a few of her sons sealed their patriotism with their blood. 

In this connection we must not forget to mention our war 
supervisor, J. B. Hough, who held the office for five years. To his 
credit be it said, that we never had to stand but one draft, and at 
the close of the war we had credit for five men more than our quota. 
In 1866 Mr. Hough retired to accept a collectorship, and D. E. 
Hazen was elected and served for the next five years. 

SCHOOL mSTOEY. 

The first school-house in the town was a log building erected 
in 1834, and located a few rods west of the present store of D. and 
A. Cochrane. Charlotte Freeman was the first teacher, and re- 
ceived the extravagant salary of 75 cents per week. 

In the winter of 1834-'35 Elijah C. Bostwick taught a school 
in the Deneen shingle shanty. 

In 1840 a frame school-house was built where William Cole- 
rick's residence now stands. 

About 1844 Eliphalet Parker instituted an academic school 
which he conducted successfully for several years. The building 
used by him is still standing just east of the Baptist Church. 

About 1855, Rev. Charles Kellogg, who had recently resigned 
the pastorate of the Congregational Church, became teacher in an 
academic school, a building for which had been erected by sub- 
scription. This building afterward became the property of the vil- 
lage district, and was occupied by the district school imtil 1866. 

There arose in 1866 a demand for a change in the school sys- 
tem to keep pace with other improvements. After a good deal of 



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i>t. 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



86 



contention a Union School District was organized, and in 1867 a 
fine brick school-house was erected and was an ornament to the 
village and an evidence of the Hberahty and refinement of the 
people. This building was burned December 9, 1881, and in 1883 
preparations are being made for the erection of a new building to 
cost about $14,000. It is expected to have the work completed 
before the beginning of 1884. 



CIVIL HISTOEY. 

The tow^n of Almont was organized March 7, 1834, comprising 
townships 6 and 7 north, of range 12 east, now known as the towns 
of Almont and Imlay. It was organized under the name of Mia, 
which was soon afterwards changed to Bristol, and finally to 
Almont. The name Mia was suggested by Ehsha Webster, one of 
the earliest settlers of the town in honor of his daughter, now Mrs. 
Virgil S. Parmlee. The name Bristol was given in honor of Oliver 
Bristol, the first supervisor; and the name of Almont was suggested 
by the name of the Mexican general, Almonte. 

The records of the town of Almont from its organization up to 
March 29, 1842, having been destroyed by fire, the foUowing state- 
ments in regard to the first town meeting are based upon tradition, 
and the recollections of the few persons now living who were pres- 
ent on that occasion. 

The first town meeting was held in Daniel Black's tavern, 
which has been described in another part of this history. This 
tavern, the scene of the beginning of the town's civil history 
stood about where now stands the block occupied by B. F. John- 
ston's furniture store, and SuUivan & Green's carriage shops in the 
village of Almont. Ira S. Sanders, having been appointed by the 
governor justice of the peace, presided at the meeting. There were 
about thirteen voters present, besides many from adjoining towns 
and boys of the town who had not attained to the dignity of voters, 
but who fully appreciated and' were competent to take part in the 
fun which was the invariable characteristic of town meetings in 
early days. The serious business of voting was enhvened by plenty 
of whisky, ball-playing, wrestling and good natured fun. It is re"^ 
lated among the incidents of the meeting that a negro known as 
"nigger Ben," who was present from an adjoining town, stepped up 
to Daniel Black, who from too brief a residence in the town was not 
a voter, and slapped him on the shoulder with the remark, "We 
blacks can't vote." 

The officers elected were, as nearly and as fully as can be 
ascertained, as follows: Supervisor and justice of the peace, Oliver 
Bristol; clerk, Jonathan Sleeper; treasurer, Daniel Black; asses- 
sors, Nicholas Eichard son, and Elisha Webster; highway commis- 
sioner, James Deneen. 

1842 — March 29th, settlement with town treasurer shows 
amount of cancelled orders, |19.38; orders outstanding, f 162. 21; 
money on hand, |1.40. April 4th, at annual town meeting, it was 
voted that no money be raised for road purposes except for bridges; 
that town officers receive 75 cents per day for services. 

1843— At special town meeting February 25th Deacon James 
Taylor was elected supervisor and John B. Hough justice of the 
peace to fill vacancies caused by resignation of David Ingalls, who 
had been elected sheriff of the county. At annual town meeting it 
was voted not to elect assessors. October 5th, town board voted 
$200 for town expenses. 

1845 — Eecord missing. 

1846 — March 30th board fixed compensation of clerk at $25 
per year for services as clerk, school inspector, and all other ser- 



vices required of him by law. This year the name of the town w^as 
changed to Almont. 

1847 — At town meeting, on question of liquor hcense, the 
votes for hcense were 105 against eighty-nine. And April 10th 
the board decided that the pubhc good required but one place to be 
hcensed for the sale of ardent spirits, and granted hcense to Miles 
J. Beach, of the Alnymt Exchange, on payment of $8 hcense fee 
and $2 fees of the board. 

1849 — At annual town meeting it was voted to raise 50 cents 
per scholar for support of common schools. On question of Hcense 
nine votes were given in favor and thirty-seven against. 

1850— June 15th, at a meeting of town boards of Almont and 
Imlay for the purpose of making a division of money and effects, 
there was found due Imlay |7.67 and road districts of Imlay 
$95.74. It was agreed to divide the hbrary books on the basis of 
$15 worth to Imlay to $56 worth to Almont. 

1851— Amount raised for contingent expenses was $50, and 
the same amount was raised in 1852. 

1855— At annual town meeting it was voted to raise $1,000 
by direct tax for a town house. 

1858— July 19th supervisor gave notice that there was assessed 
against the town of Almont for State and county purposes, 
$1,265.26; valuation as estimated by supervisor, $295,880. 
November 10th supervisor gave notice that the assessment for 
school purposes was a total of $701.43. 

1860— In the proceedings of annual town meeting appears an 
evidence of the advance of civihzation in a resolution that hogs be 
not allowed to run at large, and that the board provide a pound. 

1862— At a special town meeting held November 24th it was 
voted to raise the sum of $4,000 as fund from which to pay 
bounties to volunteer soldiers under the call of the general govern- 
ment for 300,000 men. There were 213 votes in favor and seventy- 
six votes against the proposition. February 28, 1863, the board in 
accordance with the vote of the town directed the issue of town 
orders of $100 in payment of bounties, and such orders were issued 
to forty volunteers. 

1864— February 25th a special town meeting voted 162 to 
twenty -nine to levy a tax for payment of $100 each to all persons 
volunteering in the army or that were drafted, and furnished sub- 
stitutes under the last call of the president for 200,000 men. 
March 29th treasurer's settlement showed balance March 31, 1863 
$255.51; received, etc., $10,495.21; paid, etc., $10,463.68; balance 
in hand, $287.04. Orders were drawn for payment of seven 
bounties. April 4th at annual town meeting it was resolved that 
all volunteers that the town may need now or hereafter to fill any 
calls made by the president *shall be paid $100 bounty, and that the 
board pay each man who has been drafted and gone to the war or 
furnished a substitute, or that may hereafter be drafted from the 
town $100. It was voted to divide the hbrary among the districts. 
1865 — Settlement with treasurer showed debits, $13,179.76; 
credits, 12,888.19; balance in hand, $291.55; expended for 
schools, $1,625.74. December 1st, statement of taxes assessed as 
follows: Highway commissioners' orders, $47.80;% rejected taxes, 
$14.44; interest on county bonds, $64.13; returned by Eoad Dis- 
trict No. 11, $4.60; excess of taxes, $50.77; State tax, $1,445.69; 
county tax, $10,872.02; school tax, $1,518.26. 

1866— September 12th, T. E. Hough appointed town clerk in 
place of A. V. Amerman, resigned. 

1869— Taxes assessed as follows: State, $1,149.52; county, 
$3,220; county bonds, $963; contingent fund, $200; highway 
commissioners' orders, $125; school, $8,607.89. 

1870 — April 15th, at a special town meeting it was voted 310 
to 102 to pledge the aid of the town to the Eomeo & Almont Eail- 



^^ 



road Company to the amount of |45,000 for the construction of a 
railroad from Komeo to Almont, and May 11th the bonds provided 
for were issued. 

1872 — February 2d A. C. Dickerson resigned as treasurer and 
William W. McKay was elected by the board fco fill the vacancy. 

1874 — December taxes assessed as follows : State, f 1,200.91; 
county, 13,722.06; town, $614.12; highway, |71.12; school, 
15,170.27. 

In 1870 tii^ State tax was $936.99; county tax, $3,275.61; 
town tax, $501.51; for school purposes, $4,313.97. 

At the April election in 1883, a proposition was voted upon to 
raise the sum of $2,000, payable in four annual installments, to be 
appropriated to aid in the purchase of a site and the erection of a 
building thereon by the township and village in company; said 
building to contain a town hall for the public use, and also a 
council room, engine room and jail for use of said village. This 
■proposition was carried by a vote of 190 for to ninety- six against. 
Work upon the construction of the building was commenced dur- 
ing the summer. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of the town of Almont 
for the year 1882 shows the number of school children to have 
been 525; number of school buildings, 8. Inspectors for the 
ensuing year: 0. E. Ferguson, James Bruce, C.B.Kidder, John 
Mitchell, Warren Fisher, George Ketherford, John Braid wood, 
William H. Eeid, Linas Fisher. 



TOWN OFFICEES. 

The following is a list of the principal town officers elected since 
1841: 

1842 — Supervisor David Ingalls; clerk, Jonathan Sleeper; 
treasurer, Daniel Black. Number of votes, 155. 

1843 — Supervisor, Daniel W. Taylor; clerk, James H. Andrus; 
treasurer, Daniel Black. 

1844 — Supervisor, Daniel W. Taylor; clerk, Abner Burring- 
ton; treasurer, Daniel Black. Number of votes, 203. 

1845 — No record. 

1846 -Supervisor, James Taylor; clerk, S. P. Spafford; 
treasurer, Daniel Black. 

1847 — Supervisor, James Taylor; clerk, S. P. Spafford; treas- 
urer, Daniel Black. Number of votes, 200. 

1848 — Supervisor, James Taylor; clerk, Hiram C. Wells; 
treasurer, Daniel Black. Number of votes, 209. 

1849 — Supervisor, Calvin A. Shaw; clerk, Eobert I. Goetchius; 
treasurer, Daniel Black. Number of votes, 239. 

1850 — Supervisor, Calvin A. Shaw; clerk, Eobert I. Goetchius; 
treasurer, Daniel Black. Number of votes, 173. 

1851 — Supervisor, Z. H. HaUock; clerk, Eobert I. Goetchius; 
treasurer,^Daniel Black ; Number of votes, 199. 

1852 — Supervisor, Z. H. Hallock; clerk, Eobert I. Goetchius; 
treasurer, Daniel Black. Number of votes, 249^ 

1853 — Supervisor, James Taylor; clerk, Eobert I. Goetchius; 
treasurer, Garry Goodrich. Number of votes, 280. 

1854 — Supervisor, James Taylor; clerk, Eobert I. Goetchius; 
treasurer, Garry Goodrich. Number of votes, 295. 

1855 — Supervisor, James Taylor; clerk, Hiram D. Fitch; 
treasurer, Eobert I. Goetchius. Number of votes, 334. 

1856 — Supervisor, James Taylor; clerk, D. E. Hazen; treas- 
urer, Walter P. Beach. Number of votes, 350. 

1857 — Supervisor, Samuel Carpenter; clerk, D. E. Hazen; 
treasurer, Hiram D. Fitch. Number of votes, 378. 

1858 — Supervisor, D. E. Hazen; clerk, James E. Taylor; 
treasurer, Hiram D. Fitch. Number of votes, 407. 



1859. Supervisor, D. E. Hazen; clerk, James E. Taylor; treas- 
urer, Oliver P. Strobridge. Number of votes, 401. 

I860 — Supervisor, Hiram Howland; clerk, Hiram D. Fitch, 
treasurer, D. E. Hazen. Number of votes, 409. 

1861 — Supervisor, John B. Hough; clerk, D. E. Hazen; treas- 
urer, Anthony C. Dickerson. Number of votes, 319. 

1862 — Supervisor, John B. Hough; clerk, D. E. Hazen: treas- 
urer, Anthony C. Dickerson. 

1863— Supervisor, John B. Hough; clerk, D. E. Hazen; treas- 
urer, Anthony C. Dickerson. 

1864 — Supervisor, John B. Hough; clerk, D. E. Hazen; treas- 
urer, Anthony C. Dickerson. 

1865— Supervisor, John B. Hough; clerk; D. E. Hazen; treas- 
urer, Anthony C. Dickerson. 

1866— Supervisor, D. E. Hazen; clerk, A. V. Amerman; treas- 
urer, Anthony C. Dickerson. 

1867 — Supervisor, D. E. Hazen; clerk, T. E. Hough; treas- 
urer, Anthony C. Dickerson. Number of votes, 306. 

1868 — Supervisor, D. E. Hazen; clerk, William W. Taylor; 
treasurer, Anthony C. Dickerson. Number of votes, 423. 

1869 — Supervisor, D.E. Hazen; clerk, T. E. Hough; treas- 
urer, Anthony C. Dickerson. Number of votes, 328. 

1870— Supervisor, D. E. Hazen; clerk, Leland H. Briggs; 
treasurer, Anthony C. Dickerson. Number of votes, 377. 

1871 — Supervisor, P. H. McEntee; clerk, Leland H. Briggs; 
treasurer, Anthony C. Dickerson. Number of votes, 326. 

1872 — Supervisor, Uriel Townsend; clerk, Egbert W. Corey; 
treasurer, Anthony C. Dickeraon. Number of votes, 286. 

1873 — Supervisor, Daniel C. Bacon; clerk, Egbert W. Corey; 
treasurer, Anthony C. Dickerson. Number of votes, 273. 

1874 — Supervisor, Uriel Townsend; clerk, Egbert W. Corey; 
treasurer, E. S. McEntee. Number of votes, 318. 

1875 — Supervisor, Charles Ferguson; clerk, Benjamin F. 
Johnston; treasurer, E. S. McEntee. Number of votes, 873. 

1876 — Supervisor, Charles Ferguson; clerk, Benjamin F. 
Johnston; treasurer, E. S. McEntee. Number of votes, 298. 

1877 — Supervisor, Maitland E. Martin; clerk, James 0. Thurs- 
ton; treasurer, E. S. McEntee. Number of votes, 401. 

1878 — Supervisor, Maitland E. Martin; clerk, James 0. Thurs- 
ton ; treasurer, E. S. McEntee. Number of votes, 397. 

1879 — Supervisor, Maitland E. Martin; clerk, E. S. McEntee; 
treasurer, James 0. Thurston. Number of votes, 388. 

1880— Supervisor, Maitland E. Martin; "clerk, Frank P. An- 
drus; treasurer, James 0. Thurston. Number of votes, 347. 

1881 — Supervisor, Maitland E. Martin; clerk, James 0. Thurs- 
ton; treasurer; Thomas C. Taylor. Number of votes, 329. 

1882 — Supervisor, Maitland E. Martin; clerk, James 0. 
Thurston; treasurer, Thomas C. Taylor. Number of votes, not 
recorded. 

1883— Supervisor, Maitland E. Martin; clerk, L. 0. Folsom; 
treasurer, James 0. Thurston. 



TILLAGE OF ALMOI^^T. 

About the year 1834 the village was first christened, and 
strangely enough the baptismal font was a keg of whisky. A "bee" 
had been called to open a road one-half mile north from the cor- 
ners. To aid in the work a keg of spirits was procured by sub- 
scription; but some one who loved a horn himself, fearing, per- 
haps, the men might abuse the blessing, slyly took measures to pre- 
vent this, and serve a private end besides, by boring a hole in the 
keg, drawing off a large portion and filling up with water, and then 
carefully obUfcerating all traces of the operation. So he may be 



) "^ 



Ml 



LlA 



HISTOEY OP LAPEEE COUNTY. 



37 



truly said to have in-AUGEK-ated the first effort in behalf of temper- 
ance. When the whisky came to be used) it did| not have the ex- 
pected effect; suspicion was excited, an investigation instituted, 
and the discovery made that the keg had been tapped. So it was 
then and there decided to call this place Tapshire, and the oldest 
inhabitants often call it so to this day. Philip Frisbie suggested 
the name. 

1835-'36. In 1835 the first parcel of land was sold to second 
hands on the village site. December 19th Hubbard Hall bought of 
OHver Bristol eight acres on northwest corner of section 27 foj- 
$80, and soon after sold to Philo Farnum one acre from the north- 
west corner for $10. Tlie present value of this acre^ with its build- 
ings, is something near $20,000. Here he built a log house, and 
shortly after a small shop; and commenced as pioneer in the shoe- 
making business. In the spring of 1836 or thereabouts, Daniel 
Black sold out his land to Ofcho Bell, excepting a small piece on the 
southeast corner where his house stood. This he disposed of to 
Lewis Alverson, who here kept the first stock of groceries ever 
brought for sale into this place; but the first building raised for a 
store and occupied as such was Charles B. Keeler's. It was built 
on the present site of Farquharson & Taylor's store, and was filled 
with a general stock of dry goods and groceries, in 1836. Albert 
Southwell established the first blacksmith shop about this time ; and 
the first hotel building, the present Exchange, was erected by Hub- 
bard Hall, immediately purchased and kept by Henry Wing. In 
this year the Sfcate government was organized, though the State was 
not admitted to the Union till the following January; the county of 
Lapeer was also organized, and the township incorporated there- 
with, and the name Newburg adopted by the village, which now 
consisted of a school-house, hotel, store, blacksmith shop, shoe shop 
and five dwellings. 

A PLATTED VILLAGE. 

The first plat of the village was made and recorded September 
8, 1836, by Oliver Bristol, Jonathan Sleeper, C. B. Keeler and James 
Thorington. John Dewitt, James Laarmont, George W. Allen, 
Grerritt Schenck, Samuel Kidder, Garry Goodrich, Amasa Boss, 
Hiram and Beuben Howland, Truman and Calvin Shaw; William 
B. Owen, Amos Hewitt and John Matthews became settlers here 
during this and the following year. Caleb Carpenter was super- 
visor in 1836, and C. B. Keeler in 1837 and 1838. 

For many years during those early times Dr. Caleb Carpenter 
used to carry the mail once a week on horseback through from Koyal 
Oak, and often the weather and roads were so bad as to prevent his 
getting through as often as that. And people were glad enough to 
get the news once a week and to get letters even at the rate of two 
shillings a piece. The first regular postoffice was in Caleb Car- 
penter's house, in 1835; the second was in C. B. Keeler's store, in 
1836. Ezra Hazen became postmaster in 1838. 

In 1837 Dr. Jones came and built the first physician's ofiice, 
the building now occupied by McGeorge's meat market, and Stephen 
A. McGeorge commenced gunsmithing. 

In 1838 a grist-mill was built by Adam Boles one half mile 
east of the corners, Orrin Belknap commenced mercantile business, 
V William and John Steele succeeded Charles B. Keeler in the New- 
burg store, and Dr. F. K. Bailey settled in the northern part of the 
township and commenced practice. Cook Wells also settled in the 
northwest. On this year's 4th a crowd was assembled, a pole was 
raised, the flag displayed, and anvils fired to celebrate the day for 
the first time. 

EAELY JUSTICE. 

During much of this time Squire Oliver Bristol was chief justice 
of the peace, and administered the judicial affairs of the town with 
due rigor and impartiality. One case is recalled to illustrate the 



times. It was a jury trial. During the progress of the case a jug 
of first-rate whisky had been introduced among other arguments, a 
proceeding which completely disarmed the prosecution. Several of the 
jury were soon so powerfully affected that in the words of truthful 
James, "the subsequent proceedings interested them no more;" a^d 
the judge became so mellow that he exclaimed, "Come, bow; let's 
quit la wing and settle this thing up." The council and cHeifts liter- 
ally laid their heads together and wound up the suit witl/ a com- 
promise—and another drink! Both Ohver and his brother Bezaleel 
have long since departed this life. Their children are still among 
us, and to the excellent memory of Joseph and Sheldon, sons of 
Bezaleel, this history is indebted for most of its earlier dates and 
incidents. 

BUSINESS PROGBESS. 

In 1840 Beach & Eundell started the first wagon shop; in 
1842 John Roberts joined the firm, withdrawing a few years later 
to go into the grocery and fur trade with his brother Amariah. 

In 1843 Isaac McKeen opened the first law office in town. A 
pearlash factory was also established by Daniel Black and Garry 
Goodrich a few rods north of the present Congregational Church, and 
Stephen Briggs built his carding and fulling-mill, which is still 
in operation. Henry Stephens, afterward so prominent in the 
business of this place, now made his first adventure in the mercantile 
line, also running opposition in the ashery business; but at this 
time he only remained about six months. In November Calvin A. 
& D. R. Shaw succeeded the Steeles in the Newburg store, and soon 
worked up a busiuess that took the lead for about eleven years. 

In 1844 the firm of Muzzy & Barrows started another foundry 
James H. Andrus and James Lyons other stores and Matthew Tacey 
another blacksmith shop, James Goetchius having been engaged in 
the latter business for some time. There was a revival among the 
Methodists this year, and a church edifice, the first in town, was 
built, under the ministry of Elder Noble. All through these years 
down to the present time the circuit has been regularly supplied with 
preachers by conference. 

J. S, Jenness opened a store in 1845, and soon became one of 
our most active business men. 0. P. Strobridge, M. D., joined us 
this year, and entered upon an extensive practice. Both these gen- 
tlemen became of some note in public affairs, and served the State 
in the legislature. About this time the lumber business developed 
into one of the most important branches of our trade. In 1844 
Beach, Imlay & Morse had erected a large steam saw-mill in Imlay, 
(F. P. Currier being builder) ; and that enterprise, together with the 
completion of a plank road from the mill through the village to Mt. 
Clemens via Romeo, and the establishment of a starch factory, on 
a large scale, two years after, by Moody, Chamberlin & Co., gave 
such an impetus to the general prosperity of the place as to mark 
an important era in our history. 

In 1846 Silas D. McKeen, attorney, became a resident, prac- 
ticing with his brother Isaac. He was a man of unusual ability, 
and might have attained to any position in the State; but intem- 
perance ruined him. The first haidware and tin shop was opened 
this year by McGeorge & Cardwell. It soon passed into the hands 
of R. I. Goetchius. Wilham Colerick was the first tinsmith. Bird 
Johnston & Hiram Wells also established the first furniture store 
the same season. These times are especially memorable to many 
here on account of the potato rot. 25,000 bushels in the starch 
factory rotted in a mass, and polluted the neighboring air with a 
horrid stench. Coincident with this, whether caused by it or not, 
there occurred a terrible epidemic in the winter of 1847-'48 known as 
the "potato fever." The disease was very malignant, about fifteen 
deaths occurring in a short time, among them that of Isaac McKeen 



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38 



HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



and Mr. Hendersliot, but the exact percentage of mortality cannot 
now be ascertained. 

Daniel Black, having returned to the village, built in the sum- 
mer of 1848 the first brick edifice, a store, and engaged in mercan- 
tile business, on the site he formerly occupied. This building was 
destroyed by fire, together with several adjacent buildings, some ten 
years later. In this year N. H. Eedmond, having studied with S. 
D. McKeen, commenced practice of law, and was elected prosecut- 
ing attorney of Lapeer County. 

Meanwhile the starch factory changed hands. Samuel Eogers 
operated it in 1849, J. S. Jenness in 1850, and Charles Kennett in 
1851. Farmers say they made money then raising potatoes at 10 
cents a bushel. 

The starch factory changed hands again in 1851. The manu- 
facture of starch ceased, and Briggs & Teller transformed the fac- 
tory into a steam grist and saw-mill. McHardy & Morton ran it in 
1857-'58; Charles Ferguson from that time till 1862. James Mead 
also purchased the old water-mill built by Adam Boles, and put a 
steam engine into it. Two or three years later he was caught in 
the fly-wheel and instantly killed. 

In 1851 the foundry and machine business passed all into the 
hands of one firm, viz : J. P. Muzzy and F. P. Currier, Sr., at Muzzy 
& Bairows old stand. Two years after, the present shop was put 
up, on the site formerly occupied by Price & Hendershot. The 
first steam engine built in the county was made by horse power, in 
Muzzy & Currier's shop in 1853, William Eider being head machin- 
ist. It is still running in the shop of Currier & Bro. Various 
changes have taken place in this business, the last in 1869. The 
firm name became H. A. & F. P. Currier, Jr., and remains so to this 
day, with a flourishing business. 

In 1852 the National Hotel was built by Garry Goodrich, and 
then called the Goodrich House, and Walter P. Beach commenced 
a large mercantile business. 

In 1854 the McEntee Bros, commenced the manufacture of 
fanning- mills. 

In 1861 a severe conflagration destroyed the store of John Har- 
ris, in which it originated, and seven contiguous buildings. Mr. 
Harris was dangerously burned, being left a cripple, and barely es- 
caped with his life. The loss of property was about $5,000. In 
this fire the town records and those of the school district were lost. 

TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT. 

The first temperance society in the county was organized in 
Almont February 4, 1 842, with Henry Eix as president, and Elijah 
Johnson, M. D,, secretary. The pledge was signed by 148 persons. 
Mr. Joseph Bristol has yet in his possession a copy of the pledge 
and some of the original records of the society. Mr. Benjamin 
Sleeper, who was one of the first settlers of the town, undertook to 
have a temperance raising when he built his log house, but could 
get only three men to come. He then went to Eomeo after whisky 
which took him two days. He invited hands to his raising, and 
everybody came — came early in the morning. He said that at that 
time whisky was scarce in Almont, but was as thick as mosquitoes 
in Eomeo. 

The year 1847 saw a great "tidal wave" of Sons of Temperance 
sweep over the State. A lodge was organized here. That was a 
bad time to start a brewery, as Mr. Lyons found to his cost. He 
commenced such an enterprise, but it lasted only about three 
months. One alleged cause of its faU was that a temperance lect- 
urer named Moody launched the thunderbolts of his eloquence 
against it; another, perhaps more potent cause, was that the work- 
men drank the beer about as fast as they could make it. Tradition 
• says that on one occasion, when Mr. Lyons returned from a brief 



absence, he found the words, "Eat Soup Factory," painted in large 
characters on various parts of the building, and in a fit of disgust 
wound up the concern at once. 

FIBST FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION. 

In 1845 the Fourth of July was celebrated here for the first 
time in regular form. The writer, then but a lad, has a most vivid 
recollection of the scene. Seth Dev/ey was president; Isaac Mc- 
Keen, orator; Dr. Bailey, reader; Henry Eix and William Myers, 
marshals. A small cannon, cast in Price & Hendershot's foundry, 
and bored out in James Goetchius' blacksmith shop, furnished the 
thunder. The music was produced from a clarionet, played by a 
Mr. Whittaker, who wore a long calico gown, and from a big drum 
beaten with herculean strokes by William Nichols. The grandeur 
of the marshals with their cocked hats, cockades and ghttering 
swords, as they galloped about in all the "pomp and circumstance 
of glorious war," the roar of the artillery, the brilliant array of 
banner ladies, were well calculated to impress the imagination and 
memory of the average backwoods boy. The procession marched 
one-half mile north to the woods where the Spaulding House now 
stands, and after the exercises marched back to the common near 
Ed. Lee's blacksmith shop where a splended free dinner was 
provided. The writer distinctly remembers the sensation of being 
crammed to suffocation that followed that feast of fat things. We 
have seen many celebrations since that time, but none equal in 
grandeur and solid satisfaction. 

CHANGE OF NAME. 

Up till 1846 the name of Bristol had adhered to the township, 
and Newburg to the village. This duplicity of names, and also their 
extreme commonness, caused great inconvenience in postal matters. 
To remedy this a movement was now made to adopt one name for 
both, that would be convenient, euphonious and distinctive. A 
meeting was called by James H. Andrus, then postmaster, and the 
name "Almont" adopted. It is a modification of the name of the 
well-known Mexican general, Almonte. James Thompson claims 
the honor of presenting the name. 

INCORPORATION. 

The most important event was the incorporation of the village 
of Almont under a charter in 1865. The population of the village 
at that time, as ascertained by census, was 818, and the principal 
business men and firms, in the mercantile line, were Henry Stephens, 
Farquharson, Townsend & Taylor, Williams & Moss, John S. 
Jenness, John N. Harris, Thomas Cherry man, C. E. McEntee; 
John Wright (hardware), D. W. Eichardson (drugs), McEntee 
Brothers (fanning-mill factory), B. F. Johnston (furniture), and 
Payne Brothers, who, commencing in 1862, carried on an extensive 
industry in the old starch factory building, viz: steam saw and 
grist-mill, planing-mill, and sash, blind and door factory. E. K. 
Farnum, the present proprietor, succeeded them in 1870. The first 
bank was started in 1866 by Williams & Moss. 

Under the charter a new era of improvement was inaugurated, 
vastly improving the general appearance of the village. Streets were 
neatly graded and graveled, sewers dug, sidewalks repaired and im- 
proved and greatly extended, while many of the old style inferior 
buildings on the main streets gave place to fine brick blocks, and a 
number of large and elegant residences appeared on the outskirts, 
with beautiful lawns and gardens, giving the whole place an air of 
wealth, culture and refinement. The appearance of substantial 
comfort and general prosperity is aided not a little by the fine 
churches and other public buildings. 

Presidents of the village: Oliver P. Strobridge, 1865; D. E. 
Shaw, 1866; J. S. Jenness, 1866-'67; 0. P. Strobridge, 1868; D. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



39 



E. Hazen, 1869-70; I. T. Beach, 1871-72-73; P. H. McEntee, 
1874; I. T. Beach, 1875-76; M. T. Moore, 1877-78-79-'80 
Charles K. Ferguson, 1881; I. T. Beach, 1882-'83. 

The officers in 1883 are as follows: President, I. T. Beach 
clerk, Frank P. Andriis; treasurer, WilHam H. Taylor; assessor 

F. P. Currier; street commissioner, Stephen Taylor; constable, S. 
Hartsell; trustees, John Sullivan, James 0. Thurston, Benjamin 
F. Johnston. 

In the spring of 1883 the electors of the village decided by vote 
to raise the sum of $2,800 for the purpose of purchasing a fire 
engine and equipments. 



CHUECH HISTOEY. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY. 

In 1834 the Almont Methodist Episcopal Society was organ- 
ized, consisting of five members, and was included in Mt. Clemens 
circuit for that year and the next. The preacher was L. D. Whit 
ney. In 1836 Eomeo circuit was organized, and this class was 
included in it, and remained so until 1844, when it was separated 
under the name of Newburg circuit. In 1868 the society Wt a 
commodious brick edifice, which was dedicated by Dr. Jocelyn in 
1869. 

Eev. L. D. Whitney, so prominent in the early religious history 
of Almont, was soon obhged from a disease of the throat to renounce 
his sacred calling. He then studied medicine, and settled as phy- 
sician at Hadley about 1849 or 1850. Here he had a lucrative 
practice, and had the respect of all who knew him, at one time 
representing the county in the State legislature. His son. Lieu- 
tenant George D. Whitney, was a brave officer in the army during 
the late war, and gave his Hfe to his country in one of those terrible 
battles during the winter of 1864-'65. The loss of his only son 
was a terrible blow to the father, and one from which he never 
fully recovered. In 1875 he was compelled to relinquish his profes- 
sion from age and infirmity. He then sold his property at Hadley, 
and bought a small farm near Grand Blanc, where he removed 
with his family. In September, 1876, he died, and his remains 
were brought to Hadley and buried by his son. 

Among the pastors of the church have been the Eevs. Hagga- 
done, John Armstrong, Hankinson, S. Warren, F. E. York, Gage, 
Daniels, Samuel Bird, David McFawn, and George W. Jennings, 
the present pastor. The membership of the church is now about 
sixty. It has a flourishing Sunday-school with an average attend- 
ance of about fifty-five 

THE CONGEEGATIONAL SOCIETY. 

On December 6, 1838, nine individuals formed the body now 
known as the Almont Congregational Society and, six weeks after, 
fourteen more were added to their number. The first pastor was 
Eev. Hiram Smith, and meetings were held in a school-house one 
mile west. Mr. Smith's ministry continued three years, and an im- 
portant revival occurred in the second year. 

In the fall of 1847 the first Congregational Church edifice was 
built on Main Street north. This was the second year of the pastor- 
ate of Eev. Charles Kellogg. The society numbered about ninety, 
but was now increased by affiliation with the church at Belle Arbor 
to 110. This church had been formed in 1836 in the "Shaw 
Settlement" on Belle Eiver, at the north line of the township, under 
the leadership of Eev. Luther Shaw, who preached there for several 
years. The new house of worship was dedicated January 27, 1848. 
It was of wood, 40x50 feet, and cost $1,800. 

In 1854 Eev. Charles Kellogg was tried for heresy and ac- 
quitted. His resignation followed the year after, and the place was 



supplied by E. L. Bowing, who remained one year. In ApriJ, 
1857, Eev. Henry Bates became pastor, and remained nearly four 
years; a remarkable revival added thirty members to the church 
during his first year. Next year the church edifice was much 
enlarged, and furnished with a vestry. Soon after Mr. Kellogg's 
resignation, he became teacher in an academic school, an edifice 
having been built by subscription for that purpose. This house 
subsequently became the property of the village district, and was 
used as the district school till 1866. 

From March, 1861, to December, 1863, employed Eev. E. W. 
Borden as pastor, and in 1864 called Eev. H. E. Williams. In the 
spring of 1870 about forty members were added to this church, and 
as many more to the other churches, the fruits of a general reVival 
enjoyed during the previous winter. On November 30, 1871, their 
church edifice was burned. In the winter of 1872-73 subscriptions 
were made, and the corner stone of a new edifice was laid June 18, 
1873. An address was delivered on the occasion by Eev. John s! 
C. Abbott. The completed building passed into the hands of the 
trustees in November, 1874. It is a very elegant structure of brick 
in the Gothic style, costing upwards of |23,000. The dedicatory 
discourse was preached by Eev. Dr. Eddy, of Detroit, Januarv 19 
1875. ^ ' 

In May, 1880, Eev. F. W. Dickinson became pastor, succeeded 
February 11, 1882, by the present pastor, Eev. Edward D. Kelsey. 

The present membership of the church is about ninety-five! 
The Sunday-school has a membership of 126. 

THE BAPTIST SOCIETY. 

In 1837 the Baptist Society was organized with sixteen mem- 
bers under Eev. C. Churchill, who remained their pastor tiU 1844, 
when he was succeeded by Elder Wilham Tuttle. 

In the spring of 1847 the society finished their house of wor- 
ship on East St. Clair street, which h<?d been raised the previous 
faU, and dedicated it in July. A marked revival occurred the fol- 
lowing winter under the preaching of Elder Taft, which added 
largely to their numbers. 

In 1850 Stephen Goodman, in 1851 C. Churchill, in 1852 E. 
Steele, were successively chosen pastors of the Baptist Church. In 
1858 they had an important revival under W. G. Wisner, who 
remained pastor till 1860. Then followed A. D. WiUiams, 'l861 • 
B. F. Bowin, 1866; B. H. Shepherd, 1869; and J. H. Baton, 1870^ 
(tried and convicted of heresy and dismissed in 3872); A H* 
Gower called 1876. 

Following Elder Gower came Needham, and in January, 1879, 
Eev. E. Steele, who has continued in the pastorate of the church to 
the present time. 

The membership of the church is about forty-six. The 
Sunday-school has an average attendance of from forty-five to fifty. 

ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

In 1872 Eev. J. H. Baton, who had separated from the Baptist 
Church, formed an independent society of fifteen members, under 
the style of the Advent Christian Church, with the brief creed 
"The word of God the only rule of faith and practice, and Christian 
character the only test of fellowship." This society erected a small 
frame chapel in the fall of the same year. Mr. Baton stiU con- 
tinues the pastor of this church. 

UNITED PRESBYTERIANS. 

This society was organized December 22, 1846, in the town of 
Bruce, a portion of its original members being residents of Almont. 
Of these John Hopkins is the only one now living. Previous to the 
organization of the society services were held in a buildirg erected 
by Neil Gray on his farm in the town of Bruce, missionaries having 



1|5 






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40 



HISTOEY OF L^PEEE COUNTY. 



been sent from time to time to this field of labor. In 1852 a church 
building was erected in the southeast part of the town of Almont. 

The first pastor, Kev. Andrew Irons, was settled in 1854, and 
remained till 1858. He was succeeded by Eev. John McClellan, 
who remained till 1871. Eev. John B. Wilson succeeded him. 
He was followed by Eev. W. W. Curry, now pastor of the church. 

THE PRESS. 

In 1852 the Almont PaUadiwn was established, W. W. May- 
nard, editor. He conducted the paper for about two years, when it 
passed into the hands of Henry Ulrich and Peter Ferguson, and 
died a natural death in 1855. 

In January, 1875, the Almont Herald was started by A. H. 
Patterson, who continued its publication until January 15, 1881, 
when he was succeeded by J. M. Johnson & Son. June 16, 1881, 
the ofiice passed into the hands of Patterson & Johnson. March 
2, 1882, Frank M. Johnson became sole proprietor, and remains 
such at the present time. 

HOTELS. 

The Astor House, formerly called the Exchange, was the first 
hotel in the village of Almont. It was built in 1836 by Hubbard 
Hall, and soon after was purchased and kept by Henry Wing. It 
has had a number of proprietors, among whom were Messrs. Miles, 
Beach and Eace^ In 1880 it was purchased by John S. Ash, the 
present proprietor, and the name changed to the Astor House. 

The Harrington House was built in 1852 by Garry Goodrich. 
It was first called the National Hotel, afterward the Goodrich House, 
and still later the name was changed to the Harrington House. 
Mr. H. F. Hilliker, the present proprietor, purchased the property 
in May, 1883. The hotel has been enlarged and improved since it 
was built. 

PROFESSIONAL. 

In 1854 Dr. A. B. Stone began practice in the village. He 
was followed by Dr. Traver (homoeopathic) in 1865, Dr. M. T. 
Moore in 1866, Dr. Wm. B. Hamilton in 1875. Physicians in 
1888 are Drs. Stone, Moore and Eandall. 

The attorneys have been as follows since the McKeens: E. W. 
Corey in 1860, Wilham Andrus in 1866, E. L. Taylor in 1868, T. C. 
Taylor in 1872, commenced business as attorneys; Corey and T. C. 
Taylor still remaining. The lawyers in 1883 are E. W. Corey, T. 
C. Taylor and F. P. Andrus. 



ALMONT SOCIETIES. 

THE YOUNG MEn's SOCIETY. 

The Almont Young Men's Society, a body devoted to literary 
culture in general, and the forensic art in particular, came into 
being in 1848. It originated among a company of seven young 
men, viz.: James S. Johnson, Walter Kellogg, 0. P. Strobridge, 
Hiram Smith, C. D. Smith, John Colwell, Hiram Wells, who, while 
absent on a hunting excursion for some weeks together, formed 
themselves into a debating club that they might spend their even- 
ings with more pleasure and profit. They were so well pleased 
with the experiment that they resolved to perpetuate the organiza- 
tion upon their return home. It was at first a secret society, with 
a solemn and awful initiation rite, and Virgil Parmlee was the 
first victim. But this part was soon abolished. Dr. Strobridge 
obtained a charter for them in 1850. This society still lives, a 
useful and successful institution. The officers in 1883 are as 
follows: President, J. S. Johnson ; vice-president, B. F. Johnston; 
secretary, F. P. Andrus; treasurer, E. W. Corey; auditor, T. C. 
Taylor; librarian, George Grant, ffhe first officers after the char- 
ter was obtained were as follows: President, Virgil S. Parmlee; 



vice-president, N. H. Eedmond; secretary, G. E. Caulkin; treasurer, 
H. C. Wells; librarian, G. W. Culver; auditor, James Taggart. 

MASONIC. 

Almont Lodge No. 51, F. & A. M., received their dispensation 
in 1852 and their charter the following year. The date of the 
charter is January 14, 1853. The principal officers were W. M., 
Hiram D. Fitch; S. W., William Colerick; J. W., S. S. Spafford. 
The officers in 1883 are as follows : B. F. Johnston, W. M. ; Gilbert 
Bostick, S. W.; Joshua Smith, J. W.; John Green, treasurer; 
Albert Springett, secretary; G. A. Bostick, S. D.; 0. T. Sanborn, 
J. D.; Eev. E. Steele, chaplain; Henry Marshall and George Brown, 
stewards; John Murdock, tyler. 

Almont Chapter No. 76, E. A. M., was chartered January 10, 

1871, Charles H. Brown being Grand High Priest. Officers, H. P., 
John Eobinson; K., John Armstrong;- scribe, P. H. McEntee. 
Officers in 1883 are as follows: B. F. Johnston, H. P.; E. A. Bol- 
ton, K.; John Green, S.; James Ovens, C. H. ; Gilbert Bostick, 
P. S.; 0. T. Sanborn, E. A. C; I. T. Beach, secretary; C. P. Leete, 
treasurer; G. A. Bostick, M. 3 V.; J. N. Mills, M, .2 V.; N. Has- 
kins, M. 1 v.; Eev. E. Steele, chaplain; A. L. Spencer, sentinel. 

ODD FELLOWS. 

Almont Lodge No. 181, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted March 6, 

1872. William H. McEntee was N. G.; E. W. Corey, secretary; 
Cook Wells, V. G. In 1883 there are thirty- six members. Officers, 
N. G., George Tyler; V. G., Adam Harrington; secretary, Cook 
Wells; treasurer, J. Simon. Eegular meetings are held on Wednes- 
day evening of each week. 

ROYAL ARCANUM. 

A lodge of this order was instituted at Almont in July, 1878, 
with twenty members. First officers: Eegent, J. S. Johnson; 
vice-regent, Uriel Townsend; past regent, H. A. Currier; orator, S. 
K. Farnum; secretary, A. M. Eoberts; collector, D. M. Washer; 
treasurer, C. Ferguson; chaplain, William Colerick; guide, D. B. 
Bancroft; warden, J. Jarvis; sentry, F. E. McGeorge. The lodge 
is designated as Almont Council No. 142, There were seventeen 
charter members. In 1883 there are ninety-eight members. Offi- 
cers: Eegent, M. T. Moore; V. E. I., Howard Taj^or; orator, T. C. 
Taylor; secretary, A. M. Eoberts; collector, I. T. Beach; treasurer, 
David Cochrane. This society contains in its membership many of 
the leading citizens of the town. 

ALMONT CENTENNIAL STANDBYS. 

A society bearing the above unique title was organized January 
1, 1876. The society is made up of the older settlers of the town, 
and the object is mutual aid and Christian burial. The society has 
thirty members. 

OLD men's SOCIETY. 

The Almont Old Men's Society is a sort of companion piece to 
the Young Men's Society. It is made up of young men and was 
organized in 1875. It was the outgrowth of a debating society 
formed by the young men of the school as a debating society. It 
is still conducted as a literary society, and the proposition to 
merge this society in that of the young men is now under advise- 
ment. 

KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES. 

In May, 1880, a tent of the order oi the Knights of the 
Maccabees was organized by the district commander. The follow- 
ing officers were elected: Ex. Sir Kt. G-en. Com., L. M. Eether- 
ford; Sir Kt. Com., Joseph Simon; Sir Kt. Lieut. Com., Stephen 
White; Sir Kt. Prelate, George Eetherford; Sir Kt. Eecord Keeper, 
Wilham Green; Sir Kt. Finance Keeper, A. E. Stone; Sir Kt. Ser- 
geant, John Sullivan; Sir Kt. Master at Arms, Arthur B.Witt; 



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HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



41 






Sir Kt. 1st Master of Guard, Thomas Weatherill; SirKt. 2nd Master 
of Guard, Thomas E. Mitchell; Sir Kt. Sentinel, P. S. Miller. 

There were eleven charter members. The membership in 
1883 is thirteen. Principal officers: SirK. C, Hervey Lippincott; 
SirLt. C, George W. Retherford; record keeper, George Tyler; 
finance keeper, J. Simon. Regular meetings are held on the first 
Monday evening of every month. 

The village of Almont in 1883 contains a population of about 
1,000, and is an exceedingly attractive inland village. The coun- 
try about it is delightful and very productive. The new town hall 
and pubHc school building when completed will be ornaments to the 
place. The completion of the railroad gave it long needed connec- 
tion with outside points. 

BANKING. 

The firm of C. Ferguson & Son, bankers, consists of Charles 
Ferguson and his son Charles R. Ferguson. They succeeded De- 
cember 2, 1872, the firm of Currier & Townsend who established the 
bank in March, 1870. The confidence reposed in the bank by its 
patrons and the community generally, is evidence that its business has 
been conducted with shrewdness, honesty and faithfulness to trust. 
A successful business has been the necessary result. 

The senior member of the firm, Charles Ferguson, was born in 
Scotland, February 22, 1822. Came to New York in 1842; was 
engaged there in farming. In the fall of 1848 he came to Almont 
and was employed in farming until 1862, when he went into gen- 
eral merchandising in which he continued until 1872 since which 
time he has been engaged in banking. He was married in 1846 at 
Rust, N. Y., to Charlotte McHardy, a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, 
and has three sons and one daughter. 

Charles R. Ferguson, the junior member of the firm of C. 
Ferguson & Son, was born in Rust, N. Y., 1847. Came to Al- 
mont with his parents in 1848. Was educated at the seminary at 
Ypsilanti, Mich. He was engaged with his father in general mer- 
chandising from 1867 to 1872 and since then in the banking busi- 
ness. He was married in 1871 to Jennie M. Fatin of Hackensack, 
N. Y., and has two children. 

industries. 

There are a number of prosperous manufacturing industries in 
the village, all doing a thriving business and contributing to the 
general thrift of the place. These industries are diversified, there 
being an agricultural works, grist-mill, sash, door and blind factory, 
sfcave-mill, and wool carding, etc. There are also carriage shops, 
and the usual other shops to be found in such villages. 

The firm of Merritt & Balch, manufacturers of heading, staves 
and shingles, consists of W. E. Merritt and F. V. Balch. Their 
manufactory is located in the southeast part of the village of Al- 
mont, and was erected in 1883. The firm is enterprising and their 
business promises to be eminently successful. They now employ 
fifteen men, are adding to their machinery and increasing the capac- 
ity of their miU. The abundance of material within easy haul of 
their mill, and the ready demand for a good product such as they 
will turn out, insure their success. 

F. V. Balch, of the firm of Merritt & Balch, manufacturers of 
staves, heading and shingles, was born in Dryden, Lapeer County, 
Mich., February 22, 1859, and has resided in that town until two 
years ago. The last two years prior to coming to Almont he spent 
in the apple business. Came to Almont in 1883 and took charge of 
the construction of the factory and management of the business of 
the above mentioned firm. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 
Hiram C. Miller was born in Bruce, Macomb County, Mich., 
October 2, 1846. He was brought up on the farm opposite his 



present residence. In 1871 he moved upon the farm where he now 
lives m the southwest quarter of section 33 — 146 acres. He mar- 
ried in December, 1869, Martha King, daughter of Harrison King, 
one of the earliest settlers of Almont. They have three children. 

William W. Hewitt was born in Canada April 9, 1833. Was 
brought up on a farm. In 1850 he moved to St. Clair, Mich., and 
was there engaged principally in farming, following also other em- 
ployments. From there he came to Almont village in 1858 and 
was for fourteen years engaged in selling fanning-mills, also carr^fing 
on a meat market a portion of the time. Eleven years ago he 
bought the farm on which he now lives, southeast quarter of north- 
east quarter of section 20 and ten' acres adjoining. He was mar- 
ried in 1855 to Mary Thompson, a native of Canada, and has five 
children. 

John S. Ash, proprietor of the Astor House, Almont, Mich., 
was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., June 1, 1837. At the age of 
twelve he removed with his parents to Cooperstown, N. Y., where 
* he commenced working for himself on a farm. Thence after a 
year's residence he went to Pennsylvania and remained two years 
and returned to New York, residing in Orleans County, and in 
Charlestown. He bought a farm in Cayuga County, on which he 
lived five years. In 1870 he came to Michigan and bought a farm 
at Fenton. In 1877 he went to Toledo and ran the bar of the Bur- 
nett House, still retaining his farm at Fenton. In 1880 he sold his 
farm, moved to Almont and bought the Almont Exchange, which 
he re-christened the Astor House, he being connected by marriages 
with the Astors of New York, and having also been at one time em- 
ployed in the Astor House of that city. Here he is doing a success- 
ful and profitable business. He was married September 19, 1855, 
to Miss Hannah Maria Dynehart. His second wife was Miss Mary 
Ahce Myers, of Dutchess County, N. Y., to whom he was married in 
1877. He has six children living. 

Thomas C. Taylor, attorney at law, was born in Almont in 
1843. Was educated in the schools of Almont and graduated at 
Ann Arbor University. Afterward had charge of schools at Leslie 
and Hastings. Studied law and was admitted to the bar at Hastings 
in 1871, and practiced there until December, 1872, since which time 
he has been in the practice of the law at Almont. In April, 1872, 
he married Miss Hannah Fowler, who was his first assistant teacher 
at Leslie, and has six children. He has a farm of 160 acres just 
outside the village limits which he purchased in the spring of 1883, 
and is now residing upon aiid cultivating. This is the farm located 
by his father, James Taylor, in 1834. 

B. F. Johnston, furniture dealer, was born in Geneseo, Living- 
ston County, N. Y., March 23, 1829. At the age of nineteen he 
came to Almont, and learned the painter's trade with his brother. 
He worked at his trade summers and taught school winters here and 
in New York and Pennyslvania for eight years. In 1858 and 1859 
he was in the cabinet business which he sold out in the spring of 
1860 and worked at painting*for two years. In 1861 he helped to 
raise the First Michigan cavalry. August 26, 1862, he enlisted in the 
Fifth Michigan cavalry, which was with the Army of the Potomac the 
most of the war. Served under Kilpatrick and Custer. Was with 
Kilpatrick in the famous raid on Kichmond in March, 1864. Was 
captured June 11, 1864, at Trevilian Station, Va., and a prisoner 
at Eichmond, Charlotte and Andersonville nine months. Was 
paroled after Lee's surrender, and on his way North was blown up 
on the steamer Sultana, on the Mississippi Kiver, when of 2,200 
men on board, between 600 and 700 only were saved. Eeturned 
home awaiting orders, and was mustered out July 6, 1865. He 
then engaged in the furniture business, in which he has continued 
to the present time being the oldest business firm in Almont. He 
was married March 25, 1851, to Betsey A. Worster of Chautauqua 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEER COUNTY, 



County, N. Y., and has three children. Mr. Johnston ispromment 
in the Masonic fraternity, being master of the lodge and high 
priest of the Chapter of Almont, and an officer of the Grand Lodge 
of Michigan. 

R. K. Farnum was born in Darien, Genesee County, N. Y., 
August 8, 1827. At the age of eight he came to Almont with his 
parents. Here he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. Work- 
ed on the Illinois Central Railroad for two years. In 1859 went to 
Marquette, Mich., and remained about ten years. Farmed in Al- 
mont about two years, and in 1870 bought his present business — 
sash, door and blind factory, saw-mill and flouring-mill. He is 
also a contractor and builder. Also built and owns the grain elevator 
at the Almont station of the P. H. & N. W. R. R. About twenty- 
two years ago married Miss Nancy Covell. His second wife whom 
he married in 1871 was Miss Asenath Goetchius. Has two children. 
A. M. Roberts was born in Wales, Erie County, N. Y., 
September 6, 1836,« and remained in the State of New York until 
he was eight years of age, when (in '44) he came with his parents 
to Almont. Here he attended school and learned the wagon- 
maker's trade. At the age of fifteen he went into his father's store 
as clerk. He was afterward for about one and a half years in John 
Phelps & Co's store. In 1860 he worked at his trade about six 
months, then assisted his uncle in a general merchandise store and 
in the postoffice, Goodland, until the last of December, 1861, when 
he enlisted as private in the Tenth Michigan Infantry. March 3, 
1863, he was promoted quartermaster sergeant of the regiment. 
December 31, 1864, he was promoted first lieutenant and quarter- 
master. During a large part of his service was on detached duty 
at regimental headquarters as acting hospital steward, clerk, etc. 
Was discharged in August,1865. After various other employments he 
came into the employ of Currier, Moses & Co., on the 20th of April, 
1868, and has remained with that firm and its successors, H. A. 
Currier & Bro., ever since, as bookkeeper and general superintend- 
dent. Mr. Roberts' first wife was Miss Mary Phelps to whom he 
was married in April, 1858. She died August 22, 1860, and on 
October 6, 1861, he married Miss Harriet A. Clark. Has three 
children, one boy and two girls. Mr. Roberts has filled the office 
of trustee of the corporation of the village one term, and has been 
secretary of different societies for several years. 

Adam Watson was born in Scotland, April 26, 1822, and was 
brought up on a farm. He came to this country at twenty years of 
age to Almont, and worked on various farms for several years. At 
the age of twenty-five years he bought a farm of eighty acres, one 
mile east of the village, which he still retains. -He also owns 320 
acres in the town of Dryden. His business has always been farm- 
ing and in it he has achieved success. Mr. Watson was married in 
1848, to Miss Helen Hotchkiss and has three children living. He 
makes his home in Almont. Has until lately owned and lived upon 
a beautiful place in the outskirts of the village, which he has now 
sold with the intention of moving into the village 

H. F. HiLLiKER, proprietor of the Harrington House, Almont, 
was born in Boston, Erie County, N. Y., in March, 1822. At the 
age of nineteen he went to Rochester, N. Y., and remained a year, 
being employed as a musician. In 1846 he moved to Dryden, 
Lapeer County, where he bought a farm in section 36, and re- 
mained two years. Then resided in Almont about two years. 
About 1853 he moved to St. Clair County. Kept hotel at Rich- 
mond and Memphis. Returned to Almont in April, 1883, and 
bought the Harrington House, in which he is doing a business satis- 
factory to his patrons and profitable to himself. He was married 
in February, 1852,. to Miss Elmira Brink, of St. Clair County, 
Michigan. Has two boys and two girls. Mr. H. has from the age 
of eighteen years followed the profession of musician, and has 



played for innumerable balls, parties and social gatherings in New 
York and Michigan. His children have inherited his musical taste 
and the family form a fine musical band. 

W. W. Taylor, of the firm of Taylor & Hopkin, dealers in 
general merchandise, was born in Almont, June 21,1841. Was 
brought up on a farm and educated in the schools of Almont. In 
August, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the First Michigan Cavalry: 
served three years, his regiment being in the Army of the Potomac; 
and was engaged in most of the battles of that army. Was pro- 
moted sergeant and mustered out in August, 1864, at Berryville, Ya. 
Returning to Almont he was employed as clerk, until January 1, 
1874, when the firm of Farquharson & Ta^dor was formed, which con- 
tinued until July 10, 1878, when Mr. Farquharson retired, and 
John F. Hopkin became a member of the firm. 

Mr. Taylor was married in May, 1870, to Miss Mary Andrus 
of Almont and has two children. 

Samuel Mathews w^as born in Trumbull County, Ohio, May 
24, 1831. At the age of thirteen he came with his parents to Al- 
mont where they settled on section 26. The journey was made by 
way of Sandusky and Detroit and through the Maumee Swamp. The 
wagon containing their household goods was drawn by three yoke 
of oxen, and they drove thirty head of cattle. 

He remained upon the farm until he was twenty-two years of 
age, and then went to work for himself. He subsequently bought 
a farm in section 6, where he now^ resides. In 1861, he married 
Miss Abigail English, of Vermont. 

William Morrison, of the firm of Morrison & Richards, black- 
smiths and wagon makers, was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, in 
1845. When he was six years old his parents moved to Canada. 
He served two years' apprenticeship at his present trade, and in 
1865 came to Almont where he worked at his trade. In 1876 he 
established his present business, in which his success has been 
satisfactory. In 1879 James Richards became partner forming the 
present firm. 

William Morgan, of the firm of Gould, Morgan & Co., livery- 
men, was born in Chemung County, N. Y., in May, 1834. Worked 
at farming and on the canal until he was eighteen years old. In 
1852 he came to Almont and worked in a mill until 1856, when he 
went into the livery business in which he has continued to the 
present time with the exception of about tw^o years. He also buys 
and sells horses. He was married in March, 1859, to Miss M. J. 
Beach, of Almont, and has one child. 

Edwin R. Gould, liveryman, was born in St. Clair County, 
Michigan, June 4, 1845. Attended school and worked on a farm 
until 1868, then came to Almont. For about three years he was 
engaged in teaming between Almont and Detroit. He went into 
the livery business in 1875. He is also operating a farm southeast 
of the village, but resides in Almont. He was married August 6, 
1873, to Miss Ella Way, who died in October, 1874. He has one 
child. Mr. Gould's parents came to St. Clair County, from New^ 
Y^ork. A portion of their w^ay to their new home was through the 
woods and openings, wdiere there was no road, and they were obliged 
to clear a rough road in advance of the wagons. Mr. Gould, Sr. 
was drowned thirty-seven years ago. His widow resides with her 
son in Almont. 

H. A. Currier, of the firm of H. A. Currier & Bro., was born 
at Topsham, Vt., iVpril 23, 1840. Came to Almont with his parents 
in the year 1847, and was educated in the schools of Almont. At 
the age of sixteen he learned the machinist's trade in his father's 
shops. In 1869 he bought the business of Currier, Moses & Co., 
an interest in which he sold in 1870 to his brother Fred P. Currier, 
Jr., forming the present firm. He was married in October, 1868, to 
Miss Mary E. Charter, of Northport, Mich. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



48 



Joseph Simon, Sr., of the firm of J. Simon & Son, was born in 
Pennsylvania, April 28, 1826. He there learned the trade of 
carriage manufacturing. In 1848 he went to New Jersey, and 
engaged in the carriage business. Came to Almont in 1855 and 
engaged in the same business. In 1878 his son became associated 
with him, and since then they have, under the above firm name, 
made a specialty of building and repairing carriages, giving some 
attention also to wagon work. Their skillful and faithful work 
has secured for them a large patronage and successful business. 

Philip Smith was born in Galen, Wayne County, N. Y., in 
1815. At the age of four years he went with his parents to Pal- 
myra, N. Y., where he was a schoolmate of Joseph Smith, cele- 
brated as the founder and apostle of Mormonism. In May, 18B3, 
his parents moved to Almont, bringing wifch them a large addition 
to the population of the town, viz : ten boys and two girls, one of 
the girls being married. They settled in the south part of the town. 
At the age of nineteen he started out for himself, working by the 
month as a farm hand. In 1835 he located on the south half of 
the southeast quarter of section 31, government land. On this 
farm he still Hves. In 1839 he married Miss Lura Ferguson, also 
a native of Wayne County, N. Y., and has three children. Mr. 
Smith is one of the few now living who were present at the first 
town meeting of the town of Almont (then Bristol) which was held 
in April, 1834. 

E. B. Cotter was born in Ceries, McKean County^ Penn., in 
the year 1847. Came to Michigan at the age of ten years; learned 
the trade of house-painting with his father, but finding it injurious 
to his health, gave up the business. Bought a small farm in St. 
Clair County, but not being successful as a farmer, engaged m the 
hoop and stave business, which he followed for several years in dif- 
ferent parts of the State. His health failing, he went into the em- 
ploy of the Agricultural Insurance Company, of Watertown, N. Y. 
In the year 1880 he canvassed Sanilac and St. Clair Counties, and 
March 15, 1883, engaged in the saloon business on Main Street, 
Almont. 

Peter Ferguson was born in Perthshire, Scotland, October 26, 
1824. Worked on his father's farm in boyhood, and at the age of 
fifteen took charge of the farm, on account of the ill health of his 
father. In 1845 he came to this country, and to Eochester, N. Y., 
where he remained a few months; then came to Almont to visit and 
see the country. He bought the place known as the Williams farm, 
in section 23. After a short stay in Genesee County, N. Y., he 
returned in the fall of 1846 to Almont. In 1847 he bought 100 
acres in section 15, and 200 in section 14. In the fall of 1848 he 
made Almont his home, and engaged in farming and buying and 
selling lands and village property. Has fifteen houses and seven 
stores in the village of Almont, and 500 acres of land in the town. 
He drove the first drove of cattle that was taken from the county. 

Hiram Smith was born in Monroe County, N. Y^., November 25, 
1823. At the age of eight he moved with his parents to the town 
of Bruce, Macomb County, Mich. Eesiding there one year, they 
came to Lapeer County. He worked on his father's farm until he 
was seventeen years old, then worked for himself two years at farm- 
ing. At the age of nineteen he learned tailoring, in which business 
he has been almost continuously employed until the present time. 
Is now working in his son's tailoring establishment on Main Street, 
village of xilmont. He was married in 1847 to Loretta Black, of 
Almont, and has four children. 

D. P. Smith, son of Hiram Smith, was born in Almont, August 
8, 1852, and educated in the schools of Almont. At the age of 
seventeen he learned tailoring with his father, and has continued in 
that business until the present time. His shop is on the corner of 



St. Clair and Main Streets, Almont. He was married August 1, 
1877, to Miss Mary P. Myers, and has two children. 

Mark Braidwood was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1804. He 
was for many years employed as a Brussels carpet weaver in Kil- 
marnock until 1842, when he came to Almont and settled on his 
present farm, east half of southeast quarter of section 35, 100 acres. 
He has added to this the southwest quarter of northeast quarter of 
the same section, making 140 acres. He was married in 1810 to 
Mary Blaine, of Newton upon Ayr, Scotland. The names of their 
children are: George, farmer, living in Metamora; John, farmer, 
living in Dryden ; Mark, farmer, living in Dryden; Thomas, died 
August 8, 1846, in infancy; Thomas, farmer, living in Otter Lake; 
Jane, wife of David Borland, of Almont; William, Alexander H., 
and Gabriel living with their parents. 

John Hopkins was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in May, 1797. 
He was bred a farmer, and has followed that occupation. In 1833 
he came to Almont and entered eighty acres of land in section 35. 
He now owns 320 acres, viz: west half of the southwest quarter of 
section 25; southeast quarter of section 26; northwest quarter of 
northeast quarter and northeast quarter of northwest quarter of 
section 35. He was married in 1833 to Janet Hamilton, who died 
in 1868. His second wife, to whom he was married in 1870, was 
Janet Eobertson, by whom he has one child. Of the first wife's 
children, four are living, and three have died. 

James Eeid was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, July 17, 1813. 
Was bred a farmer, and has always followed that employment. He 
came to this country in 1850, reaching Almont July 20th, and 
bought the farm on which he now resides. He was married in 
1838 to Margaret Mikell, of Ayrshire, Scotland. Has one child, 
the wife of James Eattray, of Almont. Mrs. Eeid died April 9, 
1881. Mr. Eeid's farm is the east half of east half of southeast 
quarter of section 24. He has also eighty acres in St. Clair 
County. 

Charles Morton was born in Kincairdineshire, Scotland, 
March 1, 1818. His early employment was principally millwright 
work. He came to Genesee County, N. Y., in 1843, and was there 
engaged in milling. In May, 1857, he came to Almont, where he 
has been employed at flour milling and carpenter work. Is now 
working in E. K. Farnum's sash, door, and blind factory. In 1847 
he married Isabel McHardy, of Scotland, who died in 1859. In 
1863 he married Isabel McKinnon, a native of Scotland, Has ^ye 
children living. 

Morris Morton was born April 13, 1852, at Avon, N. Y. 
Came with his parents to Almont in 1857. In the fall of 1870 he 
commenced work as a miller in E. K. Farnum's mill at Almont, 
where he is now employed. In May, 1876, he married Emma 
Porter, of Goodland, Lapeer County. They have three children. 

Frank M. eJoHNsoN was born December 8, 1860, in Almont. 
Was educated in the schools of Almont, and at the high school of 
Flint, Mich. In 1880 he was employed six months in the office of the 
Flint Democrat^ and in 1881 became associated with his father in 
the publication of the Almont Herald, of which he became sole pro- 
prietor and editor, March 2, 1882. ^ He was married in February, 
1882, to Mertie Dickerson, of Almont. Has one child. 

W. S. Webster, son of Elisha Webster, one of the pioneers of 
Lapeer County, was born in the town of Almont, April 15, 1850. 
Has always remained upon the old homestead, northwest quarter of 
section 4, which was entered by his father in 1831. In 1873 he 
married Lizzie James, a native of England. Has four children. 
In connection with his farm he has operated until four years ago 
the grist-mill built by his father on a small stream which crosses 
the farm, and which is said to be the oldest grist-mill in the county. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



Leonard Williams was a native of Connecticut, born in 1821. 
He remained in that State engaged in farming until 1860, when he 
came to Almont and engaged in mercantile and banking business, 
establishing the first bank in Almont. He was compelled by the 
failure of his eyesight to retire partially from active business, retain- 
ing, however, his connection with the bank. At the time of his 
death in August, 1874, he was residing with his son on the farm. 
He was killed by the settling of a stone which was being sunk in 
the field. . He was alone at the time, and when found had been 
some hours dead. His son had been severely injured by a similar 
accident about a month before. Mr. Williams left a wife and four 
children. One child, Alice B., has since died. The others are 
Henry H., of Almont, Mrs. J. C. Huntington, of Flint, and Mrs. 
W. W. Stockley, of Houghton County. Mrs. Williams resides in 
the village of Almont. 

Henry H. Williams was born in New London County, Conn., 
April 15, 1845. At the age of fifteen he came with his parents to 
Almont, where he attended school, and was employed in his 
father's store. In 1868 he married Alice Miller, of Bruce, Macomb 
County, by whom he had two children. Since his marriage he has 
resided on the farm previously owned by his father, the north 
one-half of northeast quarter of section 22. July 27, 1874, he was 
severely injured by the falling of a stone which he was sinking, 
from which he has never entirely recovered. About a month after 
this his father was killed by a similar accident. 

Isaac T. Beach was born November 2, 1832, at Hartford, 
Conn., where he was educated and spent the first twenty-one years 
of his life. Came to Michigan and settled in Almont, being 
engaged in mercantile business for several years. He has also 
farmed somewhat. Has now a farm in Almont and one in Attica. 
Was married in January, 1855, to Carrie Fancher, a native of New 
York, and has one child. His residence is on East St. Clair Street, 
in the village of Almont. 

Peter Coutts was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, February 
15, 1805. His occupation there was farming and trading in cattle, 
traveling extensively in England, Scotland and the Orkney Islands. 
He left Scotland in 1862 (May 17), and went to Canada where he 
resided until 1864, when he came to Almont, and* bought the west 
one-half of southeast quarter of section 11, eighty-seven acres, 
on which he has since lived. He was married in 1836, August 14, 
to Jane Webster, of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. They have five 
children living, two have died. James died in 1881, in Canada; 
Mary died in 1861, in Scotland; Jane, widow of Moses Gardiner, 
lives at Vassar; Annie, wife of Michael Eeilly, in Chicago; Peter, 
in Dakota; Thomas, at home carrying on the farm; and Elizabeth , 
now at West Branch. 

Daniel Thomson was' born in Paisley, Scotland, December 12, 
1822. He was by early occupation a Paisley shawl weaver. May 
31, 1848, he married Janet Wilie, a native of Paisley, Scotland, 
and two days after came to this country, leaving his wife. He 
worked at weaving at New Ipswich, N. H., (where his wife joined 
himj about a year, then at Blackstone, Mass., and at Bristol and 
New Providence, E. I. In February, 1855, he came with his par- 
ents, wife and two children to Almont, and settled on the farm 
which his father had bought in 1851, the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 13, on which he has remained to^the present time, except one 
year when he went East with his wife on account of his health. In 
addition to this he owns eighty acres in the town of Berlin, St. 
Clair County. ' His wife died in 1866, and in 1867 he married Mrs. 
Margaret Gemmell, whose maiden name was Mc Arthur. In 1879 
they were burned out, saving nothing — the family barely escaping 
with their lives. Mr. Thomson has four children; two 
have died. Ehzabeth, wife of George Bowen, lives at Imlay; 



Margaret, wife of William B. Wallace, died December 8, 1880; 
Janet,, .wife of Thomas B.Wallace, lives at Denver, Col. ; Ellen, 
died February 24, 1881 ; James W. and WilHam D. are at home. 
Charles Kennett was born in England April 5, 1800. During 
his youth and early manhood he was employed at farming, and 
also learned and worked the trade of carpenter and joiner. In 
1827 he cime to this country and worked afc his trade in Albany 
and Troy, N. Y., for two years. In 1829 he moved to Detroit and 
remained several years employed at his trade. He then kept 
tavern at Wyandotte for seven years. In 1840 he came to Almont 
and bought a farm near the county linp, northeast quarter of south- 
west quarter and west one-half of southwest quarter of section 34. 
About the year 1864 he moved into the village of Almont where he 
now resides. He was married in 1821 to Sarah Paine. They 
reside with their soq and only child. Mr. Kennett is still a man of 
remarkable vigor showing but little token of his advanced age. 

Cha^eles Kenneti, Jr., was born ia England in 1822. In 
1827 his parents came to this country and resided at Albany and 
Troy, N. Y., for two years. In 1829 they came to Michigan and 
resided at Detroit and Wyandotte until 1840, when they moved to 
Almont and bought a farm in section 34, where he remained until 
1883, when he moved to the village and took up his residence with 
his parents, who had removed to the village in 1864. He still 
retains and cultivates the old homestead. He was married in 1865 
to Evaline Vail, a native of Canada, and has one child, a daughter. 
William D. Morton was born in Paisley, Scotland, September 
11, 1825. He was by occupation, in Scotland, a pattern setter, at 
which he worked until 1848, when he came to this country and to 
Almont, with his parents, brother and sister. His father bought of 
the government the east one-half of southeast quarter section 12, 
to which has sinse been addel southeast quarter of northeast 
quarter section 12, and twenty acres in the town of Berlin, St. 
Clair County. On this last tract is Mr. Morton's residence, and 
here he has made his home until now, except one year spent in 
Illinois, where he had intended to make his home permanently, 
being prevented by the death of his brother, who was killed by the 
kick of a colt. Mr. Morton was married in 1863 to Catherine 
McArthur, a native of Paisley, Scotland. The children are Arthur 
and Frederick, who are living with their parents. A daughter, 
Grace, died in April, 1875. Mr. Morton's father died in 1852; his 
mother is living with her daughter in Winona, Minn. Mrs. Morton's 
parents came to Berlin in 1830. Her father died in March, 1861; 
her mother in 1864. In December, 1871, Mr. Morton was run 
over by a runaway team and severely injured, from which he has 
never fully recovered. 

John Hallock was born in Oneida County, N. Y., March 5th, 
1818. Was brought up on a farm. In 1844 he came to Almont 
and settled on east one-half of southwest quarter of section 13, 
which he had bought the previous year. To this he has added 
southeast quarter of southeast quarter section 14, and northwest 
quarter of northwest quarter section 24. Has 140 acre? under cul- 
tivation. September 28, 1844, he married Harriet 0. Mosher, of 
Oneida County, N. Y. They have had four children. George S. 
was born October 10, 1846, and lives in Almont^ Charles Edgar, 
born March 2, 1849, also of Almont; Francis Henry, born May 26, 
1865, died March 29, 1866; and Beatrice, born April 3, 1867, liv- 
ing at home. Mr. Hallock's father died November 24, 1867, aged 
eighty- three ; his mother died February 19, 1871, aged eighty-nine. 
Mrs. Hallock's father died in Buffalo, N. Y., August 8, 1838, aged 
forty. Her mother is now living in Jackson, Mich., at the age of 
eighty- three. 

Alexander W. Ferguson, son of Charles Ferguson, of Almont, 
was born in Almont, September 17, 1855. Was educated in Almont 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



45 



and at Mayhew's Business College at Detroit. Was six years em- 
ployed in C. Ferguson & Son's bank at Almont, and for the last two 
years has been engaged in farming, his farm being the southeast 
quarter of section 22. In January, 1881, he married Marian A. 
Milliken, of Bruce, Macomb County, and has one child. 

OEvmLE T. Sanborn was born in Almont, September 24, 1844. 
Was brought up on a farm. In 1867 he bought a farm of 138 acres 
in section 32, being all of northeast quarter except a tract of twenty- 
two acres in the southwest corner. In 1865 he married Lizzie 
Murdock. For the last two years he has resided in the village of 
Almont, his farm being under lease. 

Igil Wells was born in Seneca County, N. Y., April 13, 1822. 
At the age of nine years he came with his parents to Bloomfield, 
Mich. In 1838 they moved io Almont, where his father entered 
160 acres of land in section 17. He remained on the homestead 
until he was about twenty- two, when he commenced working for 
himself. His father then gave him a farm of forty acres in section 
17. In 1850 he bought his present farm northeast quarter of 
northeast quarter of section 17, which was originally entered by 
Elisha Farnum. He has also eighteen acres in the west half of 
northwest quarter of the the same section. He married in 1846 
Melissa A. Farnum, daughter of Elisha Farnum. They have five 
children, viz.: Mrs. Orville B. Eaton, of Almont; Mrs. Mark Braid- 
wood, of Dryden; Nita Wells, of Almont; Mrs. Horton Thurston, 
of Moore, Sanilac County; Charles J. Wells, at home. One child 
has died. 

WnL.LiAM P. Farnum was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., 
October 18, 1811. Was brought up on a farm. Came to Almont 
in 1834, reaching the town September 30th. There were then but 
two log houses in the village. His father entered the northeast 
quarter of northeast quarter of section 17, on which Igil Wells now 
lives. His present farm, which was originally entered by Elisha 
Farnum, comprises sixty acres, viz. : North twenty acres of north- 
west quarter of northeast quarter and east half of east half of north- 
west quarter of section 17. Mr. Farnum was married February 25, 
1841, to Mary E. Wells, daughter of Leonard Wells, who settled 
in Almont in 1838. They have five children, viz. : Mrs. Eeuben 
Hubbel, of Almont; Eeuben W., of Sanilac County; Frank, Katie 
and Libbie, at home. One child has died. Mr. Farnum's father 
came to Almont in 1834; he died March 14, 1883, at the age of 
ninety-three. His mother is still living, making her home with 
him; her age is ninety-one. 

F. E. Gould was born in Batavia, N. Y., March 3, 1831. He 
came to Michigan with his parents, who settled in Dryden in 1839. 
At about eighteen years of age he learned the trade of carpenter 
and joiner in Dryden. Worked at his trade and taught school for 
about twelve years. Came to Almont in 1862 and engaged in the 
saloon business for a time. Then in the spring of 1864 engaged in 
the Hvery business, in which he has continued since that time. He 
has also for the last eight years been employed as postal clerk on 
the Detroit & Bay City Division of the Michigan Central Kailroad. 
He was married in 1854 to Jane L. Parmlee, a native of Vermont. 
They have three children. 

William Muir was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, August 30, 
1810. His occupation was farming. He came to this country in 
1848 and to Almont, where he bought the east half of northeast 
quarter of section 7, now occupied by his son William. He was 
married in 1843 to Janet Gilmore, a native of Ayrshire, Scotland. 
They have five children: John, William and Neil, of Almont; 
James living in Imlay, and Mrs. Hugh Cargill, of Burnside. 

James M. Gutches, or, as the name was formerly spelled, 
Goetchius, was born in Ulster County, N. Y., May 10, 1817. Dur- 
ing his infancy his parents moved to Chenango County, N. Y., 



where he remained until he was twenty-one years old. At the age 
of eleven years he commenced working for himself on a farm, and 
from that time supported himself. He left the farm when sixteen 
years of age and served an apprenticeship at the trade of black- 
smith in Chenango County. There he remained until May, 1837, 
when he came to Michigan. He lived in Romeo two and one half 
years, then (December 22, 1840,) came to Almont, worked at 
blacksmithing about twenty years, then moved to the farm where 
he now lives in the south suburbs of the village. He was married 
December 30, 1841, to Miss Mary Bristol, daughter of Oliver 
Bristol, one of the pioneers and the^first supervisor of the town. 
They have three children living. Are living with their son, 
Oliver C. 

Olivee C. Gutches was born in Almont June 20, 1846. Has 
worked at farming most of the time since he became of an age to 
work. For the last two years has operated the farm on which he 
lives and of which he is'part owner, his parents residing with him. 
He was married in 1878 to Miss Frances Wiley, a native of Mary- 
land , and has one child. 

W. E. Armstrong was born in Eochester, N. Y., July 4, 1842. 
At the age of five years, his parents having died, he came West 
with Mr. Kendrick, of Dryden. Lived on a farm until the age of 
eighteen years. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted as private in the 
Tenth Michigan Infantry, serving in the Army of the Cumberland. 
Was mustered out in 1863. He then farmed for several years, and 
was special agent of the United States Treasury Deparfcmert iiYe 
years. Since then has been engaged in breeding and buying and 
selling horses, and in the pool business, controlling now the most 
of the latter business in the United States. He has owned among 
others the following well known horses : ' *Ned Tester," with a record 
of 2:50 as a three- year-old; **Fred Hooper," record 2:23, who won 
thirty out of thirty-four races trotted in 1873 and '74, winning 
$32,000 purse money; '*Mollie Morris, record 2:22; "Dan Donald- 
son," record 2:25; '^Hardwood," record 2:24|^; **Sorrel Dan," 
pacer, record 2:14, and "Judge Abbott," record 2:50. Mr. Arm- 
strong took to California the two well known thoroughbreds, "Joe 
Daniels" and "Hubbard," running horses, who won the four mile 
repeat running races. He has been in every State and Territory of 
the United States except Oregon. He has contributed largely to 
the improvement of horse stock in the section of country about 
Almont, for which he deserves and receives the thanks of the farm- 
ing community. In October, 1874, he married Emily Strobridge, 
daughter of Dr. Strobridge. They have two children. Eesidence 
on West St. Clair Street, Almont. 

Henry B. Goetchius, son of William E. Goetchius, one of the 
earlier settlers of Almont, was born in Almont in 1848. Has been 
employed at farming, and has learned and worked at various trades 
as carpentering, wool- carding, the ashery business, etc. He learned 
the miller's trade in 1868 and has worked at it about five years. 
Was married in 1871 to Elba C. Wells, a native of Erie, Pa., and 
has two children. At the time of the forest' fires of 1881 Mr. 
Goetchius, with his wife and children, was in Sanilac County on a 
farm which he owns there. They had a narrow escape, barely 
saving their lives by wading into Cass Eiver. Mr. Goetchius has 
not yet entirely recovered from the injuries received at that time. 
Mrs. Goetchius' father, Nelson Wells, was at that time residing in 
Sanilac County. He escaped with his family into the river, where 
they remained four hours, almo st suffocated by the heat and smoke, 
from the effects of which Mr. Wells never fully recovered. He died 
January 23, 1882, aged sixty-five. He was for several years pro- 
prietor of the Exchange Hotel of Almont. Mrs. Wells is still 
living. 

David P. Eoss was born in Eandolph, Vt., November 12, 1836. 



>v 



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46 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEK COUNTY, 



During Lis infancy bis parents moved to Imlay and settled on a 
farm near the line between Imlay and Almont. He remained on 
tbe home farm until 1868, except during the time of bis military 
service. In tbe fall of 1864 be enbsted as private in tbe Tbird 
Michigan Infantry, wbicb was in tbe Army of tbe Cumberland. 
He was mustered out in tbe fall of 1865. In 1868 be bought the 
farm on wbicb be now lives, sixty acres of north half of northeast 
quarter of section 4. He has also fourteen acres in the town of 
Imlay. Was married in 1868 to Agnes Laird, a native of Canada, 
and has six sons and one daughter, all of whom are at home. 

B. E. Emmons was born in Burlington County, N. Y., April 
29, 1822. At the age of eight years be was bound out to a farmer 
until be was of age. During these years of hard labor and scant 
privileges of education be formed tbe firm determination to conquer 
success, a determination which be has carried out. In 1854 be 
came to Almont and bought a farm one mile west of tbe village, 
where he remained eight years. He then rented a farm in Dryden 
where be made a specialty of raising fine horses and stock, which be 
has since followed to a greater or less extent. Has bad two of 
tbe largest horse sales ever held in tbe State. Though owning 
farms at various times, Mr. Emmons has generally cultivated rented 
farms, having at times as many as five farms under rental. He 
has found this method generlly more profitable than ownership. 
In 1878 he bought the farm on wbicb be now resides, and on 
which he moved in the spring of 1882, west half of southwest quar- 
ter and south half of southwest quarter of northwest quarter of 
section 7. He was married in January, 1840, to Eebecca Branson, 
a native of New York. Soon after his arrival in Dryden be was 
elected highway commissioner and held tbe office nine years. 

DAvm Sleepek, son of Josiah Sleeper, one of tbe pioneers of 
Almont, was born in Murray, Orleans County, N. Y., May 8, 
1819. During his infancy his parents removed to Hamilton, On- 
tario County, Canada, and afterward returned to Orleans 
County, N. Y. In the fall of 1829 they moved to Michigan and 
settled in Macomb County. In 1832 they came to Almont and 
bought of tbe government the land now belonging to Elizabeth 
Matteson, in section 9. Here be remained until twenty-one years of 
age — then worked out for several years. About 1845 he bought his 
present farm in section 15, where he has }28 acres. He has also 
120 acres in other sections of the town. Was married in 1841 to 
Phoebe Mathews, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, a daughter 
of John Mathews, who came to Almont in 1836. 

Stoughton Sleepek, son of David Sleeper, was born in Almont, 
March 24, 1845. He was bred a farmer and has followed that em- 
ployment until April, 1881. He has at intervals learned the trade 
of engineer, and is now employed in James Sanborn's elevator at 
the Almont station of tbe P. H. & N. W. E. E. He owns a com- 
fortable house just within tbe limits of the village of Almont. He 
was married April 2, 1879, to Utilla Smith, of Almont. They have 
one daughter. 

Samuel Kidder was born at Enfield, Tompkins County, N. Y., 
May 15, 1816. Was brought up on a farm. In 1837 he came to 
Almont (then Bristol) and went to work by tbe month at farming. 
In tbe spring of 1838 he bought a farm in section 14, on which he 
cleared about thirty acres, and remained there four years. In 1842 
be bought tbe south half of northeast quarter of section 22, on 
which he now resides. His first wife was Ebza Hallock, to whom 
be was married in 1844. She died in 1847. In 1849 be married 
Eliza Mead, a native of Lansing, Tompkins County, N. Y. Has 
three children living; one has died. 

Hiram Howland was born in Middlebury, Mass., October 12, 
1812. During bis infancy bis parents moA^ed to Brown County, N. 
Y., where be lived until be was twenty-three years old when he came 



to Almont and bought tbe west half of southeast quarter of section 
3, on which he remained twelve years. He then bought his 
present farm, east half of southeast quarter section 9. Since he 
first came to Almont his occupation has been farming, and, during 
tbe winters, lumbering. In 1834 be married Mary Bishop. His 
second wife, to whom be was married in 1849, was Mary M. Vos- 
burgb. He has five children living. Mr. Howland has been town 
supervisor, road commissioner, deputy sheriff of the county for nine 
years, and has held various other offices. 

Willis Howland, son of Hiram Howland, was born in Almont 
March 25, 1854. Was married March 30, 1877, to Lydia A. Havens, 
a native of Oakland County, and has two children. He is living 
with his parents and carrying on tbe homestead farm. He has also 
thirty acres in southeast quarter of southwest quarter of the same 
section, 9. 

Virgil S. Parmlee was born in Cavendish, Windsor County, 
Vt., April 3, 1823. Came to Michigan with his parents in 1838. 
Lived in Armada four years, then moved to Almont and settled on 
west half of southwest quarter section 9, where Mr. Parmlee now 
lives. In 1854 he married Mya Webster, daughter of Elisha Web- 
ster, one of tbe earliest settlers of Almont. From her the town 
took the name of Mia which it bore for some time. They have two 
children; two have died. Mr. Parmlee has lost both le'gs below 
the knee by accident, one of them in 1866, tbe other in 1869. He 
is not, however, as might be expected, incapacitated for farm labor, 
artificial legs supplying to a considerable extent tbe loss of the nat- 
ural ones. In 1870 Mr. Parmlee engaged in mercantile business at 
Imlay, in which be continued four years. Since then has been en- 
gaged in farming. 

L, M. Eetherford was born in New York, July 6, 1841. In 
1842 his parents moved to Oenesee County, N. Y., and in tbe 
spring of 1843 to Almont, where bis father bought a farm in section 
14. At tbe age of eighteen he commenced working on his own ac- 
count, learning tbe butcher's trade, which be has since followed, 
except during a term of military service. He enlisted in October,1863, 
as private in tbe First Michigan Cavalry, wbicb served with the 
Army of the Potomac. Mr. Eetherford was in forty-three engage- 
ments, and was wounded at Trevilian Station, was promoted to 
commissary sergeant of his company, was mustered out and dis- 
charged March 10, 1865, at Salt Lake City. He was married in 
September, 1867, to Janet Hamilton, of Almont. Has two 
children. 

Milton H. Webster was born in Farmertown, Saratoga County, 
N. Y., August 3, 1805. His parents removed to Northumber- 
land when he was five or six years old. Moved from there to Sen- 
eca County, and thence to Monroe County. In 1827 be came to 
Michigan and settled in Macomb County. Has lived at different 
places in Michigan. His first wife, to whom he was married Janu- 
ary 5, 1830, was Ebzabeth Sessions. She died in 1859. July 12, 
1859, he married Clarissa Coleman, who died in 1869. He has four 
children living. In 1880 be removed from Macomb County to Al- 
mont, and makes bis home with bis daughter, Mrs. McMonagle. 
Mr. Webster's parents resided until their death in Genesee County, 
N. Y. 

Cornelius McMonagle was born in Donegil, Ireland. He 
came to this country about 1839. Lived in Pennsylvania about five 
years and then moved to Macomb County, where, in 1849, he mar- 
ried Maria Webster, daughter of Milton H. Webster, In March, 
1851, be moved to Almont and bought a farm in section 7, west 
half of northeast quarter. He died March 4, 1880, leaving a wife 
and five children. His widow resides on tbe homestead. 

Horace M. Booth was born in Pembroke, Genesee County, N. 
Y., July 16, 1820. Was brought up on a farm. Lived on tbe old 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



47 



homestead cultivating a j)ortion of it, and worked at his trade of 
carpenter and joiner until 1865. January 1, 1845, he married 
Theda A. Gurtis of Genesee County, N. Y. Came to Almont in 
1865 and bought the west half of northeast quarter of section 20 on 
which he has since resided. Has six children of whom two, a son 
and a daughter, are at home. The son, Frank C, wa5 born in Genesee 
County, N. Y., December 27, 1855. Came to Almont with his 
parents in 1865. Learned the trade of carpenter and joiner with 
his father on the home farm, and for the last six years has worked 
at it continuously, making his home with his parents. 

James Mum v/as born in Scotland in 1806, and was bred a 
farmer. He came to this country about 1844, to Pontiac, Mich., 
where he worked on a farm one season, thence came to Almont 
and bought west half of northwest quarter section 8, where he 
died February 19, 1876. He was married in 1852 to Lodama 
Squier of Utica, Michigan. She remains upon the homestead 
with .her son, Neil G., who carries on the farm. He also owns and 
cultivates the east half of northwest quarter section 8. He was 
born in Almont November 11, 1852. The other son, Gillis J., was 
born in Almont August 28, 1854. On division of the estate he 
received the west half of southwest quarter of section 5, on which 
he resides. He was married June 4th, 1879, to Frederica Both, of 
Almont, and has one child. 

Matthew Wakner was borp in Lima, Jjivingston County, N. Y., 
April 29, 1821. Came to Michigan in 1836, and at the age of 
seventeen began working for himself at farming, and saw-mill 
work, in Oakland Co. In 1840 he went to Canada and remained 
sixteen years, engaged in lumber and mill business. He came to 
Almont in 1856, teamed for eleven years between Almont and 
Detroit; then kept hotel in Marlette three years, and in the town of 
Imlay five years. In 1861 he bought the farm on which he now 
lives, northeast quarter of northwest quarter section 9, on which he 
finally settled in May, 1881. He was married in 1844 to Sarah 
Ann Wilson, a native of Canada, and has three sons and hve 
daughters. 

E. B. Hough was born in Orangeville, Genesee County, N. Y., 
in 1819. In 1833 he came with his parents to Eomeo, Mich., and 
in 1834 to Almont. The journey from New York to Eomeo 
was made by team, and occupied a month and one day. (In 
Almont his father located the east half of southeast quarter of section 
29.) He lived with his parents until he was twenty-five years old, 
being employed in farm work and in clearing land on contract. 
He then resided four or fiYe years in Dryden. Eeturning to Al- 
mont he bought the northeast quarter of section 32, on which he 
lived about twenty-three years. Sold this and bought a quarter 
section further east. He has bought and sold lands extensively, and 
now owns 245 acres in different parts of the town. He has for the 
past nine years resided in the village of Almont. In 1845 he 
married Emahne L. Johnson, who died in 1866, leaving four 
children,, of whom one lives in Attica, and three in Goodland. In 
1867 he married Mrs. Lucretia E. Myers who has two children, 
William E. Myers and Mrs. D. P. Smith, both of Almont. 

William Claek was born in Broome County, N. Y., October 22, 
1795. Came to Michigan in 1836. Lived at Troy, Oakland County, 
two years; then came to Almont, and bought a farm in section 10, 
east half of northeast quarter. He settled on his present farm 
north half of northeast quarter section 16, in 1849. He was first 
married March 7, 1827, to Alathea Stoddard who died in 1840, 
leaving two children. His second wife, to whom he was married 
January 17, 1844, was Sarah Holmes, of West Bloomfield. She has 
two children, one has died. The children are Annis M., Eomanzo 
T. (who carries on the farm), Flora E., and James T., who lives at 
Lapeer. 



Chakles Walkee was born in New Brunswick in 1829. During 
his boyhood his parents resided in Canada. Came to Almont in 
1849, and in 1850 married Anna Deneen. He died in 1870, 
leaving eight children. Mrs. Walker resides with three of her 
children, upon a portion of the land entered in 1828, by her father, 
James Deneen, the first settler in the town. There are still stand- 
ing some of the trees of the first orchard, the seeds of which were 
brought from Ohio, and planted about the time the land was 
cleared. Mrs. Walker was born March 15, 1829, and was the first 
white child born in the county. A sketch of her father will be 
found in another part of this work. 

William Crosby was born in New Hampshire, July 3, 1816. 
At the age of 21 he wentto Massachusetts, and was there employed 
as engineer. In 1840 he came to Almont and bought a farm of 
forty acres, to which he has added sixty acres. His farm is the 
west half of west half of northwest quarter section 3, and part of 
east half of northeast quarter section 4. In 1843, he married 
Catherine Elliott, a native of New Hampshire, and has two daugh- 
ters, Mrs. E. J. Harrington, of Almont, and Mrs. John H. Bowman, 
of Imlay. 

Uriel Townsend w^as born in the State of New York, in 
December, 1829. When he was about ^yb years old his parents 
moved to Michigan, where he was brought up on a farm. At the 
age of twenty he bought a farm in Metamora (on which Clark 
Townsend now lives). He resided there about ten years, and then 
returned to the old homestead. In 1869 he came to Almont, and, 
with F. P. Carrier, formed the banking firm of Townsend & 
Currier, of which C. Ferguson & Son are the successors. The 
firm built for the use of the bank the block now occupied by S. 
Smith and Taylor & Hopkin. They also engaged in the lumber 
business, and with remarkable success. In 1869 Mr. Townsend 
bought his present home (in the village of Almont), which he has 
rebuilt. He owns and operates a farm .of 400 acres, west half of 
section 19, and 80 acres adjoining in the town of Dryden. In 1853 
he married Mary J. Ferguson, a native of New^ York. 

John Shipp was born at Swaffham Bulbeck, Cambridgeshire, 
England, in June, 1827. At the age of fourteen, he commenced 
working on his own account. In 1854 he came to Almont and 
bought a farm of eighty acres, the east half of northwest quarter 
section 30, of which he has seventy-five acres cleared. In 1881 he 
built his present residence. Was married July 8, 1855, to Louisa 
Plumb, of Brinkley, Cambridgeshire, England. 

Joseph Shipp was born in Longmeadow, Cambridgeshire, 
England, April 11, 1831. Was brought up on a farm. He came 
to Almont in 1853, and has been employed at farming. Having 
accumulated a competency, and being in ill health, he retired 
several years ago from active labor, and has ever since made his 
home wdth his brother, John Shipp, on his farm in section 30. 

Ebert W. Lawernce was born in Greene County, N. Y., January 
9, 1799. His early life was spent on a farm. January 17, 1826, 
he married Eliza Van Wanoner, a native of New York. In 1836 
they came to Almont. All of Mr. Lawrence's worldly wealth on his 
arrival, consisted of $2.50 in money, a wife and six children. He 
bought forty acres of land in the woods, southeast quarter of north- 
west quarter section 31, for f 3.50 per acre, giving his note. Here 
he built a shanty and made a home, and here they lived to the 
present time. Are now residing with their son-in-law, Myron D. 
Closson, in the enjoyment of a vigorous and happy old age. They 
have six children living, two in the town of Almont, one in 
Maryland, one in Australia, one in Philadelphia, and one in 
Gratiot County, Michigan. Three have died. Since Mr. Lawrence 
became of age, he has voted at every election, and at the town 



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-48 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



meeting in every town in which he resided, except during his resi- 
dence in Canada. His first vote was cast in favor of General Jack- 
son. 

Myron D. Closson was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., April 
17, 1828. When about 14 years of age he came to Michigan and 
lived with his uncle in Macomb County. Came to Almont about 
1852 and rented a farm near the south line of the town. In 1866 
settled on a farm in section 31 and remained six years. He after- 
ward lived four years in Kent County and moved thence upon his 
present farm, southeast quarter of northwest quarter section 31. 
He was married March 11, 1856, to Matilda Lawrence. They have 
three children, one son and two daughters. 

Nelson E. Closson, son of Myron D. Closson, was born in Al- 
mont, September 10, 1860. In 1872 his parents moved to Grand Eap- 
ids, and remained upon a farm until 1876, w^hen they returned to their 
former home in Almont. He is now operating a farm of eighty 
acres belonging to his grandfather, Ebert W. Lawrence, in sections 
30 and 31. 

Sheldon Bristol, son of Bezaleel Bristol, one of the earhest set- 
tlers of Almont, was born in Eiga, Monroe County, N. Y., April 26, 
1816. He came with his parents to this town in 1831, arriving 
May 22, when there were but three settlers in the town. His father 
**located" the east half of southeast quarter section 33. When he 
was twenty-one years old he went to work by the month on his 
own account. He assumed and paid up the debts on the homestead, 
which had become embarrassed, and in 1842 assumed possession of 
it. In 1881 he bought the west half of northwest quarter of section 
34, 115 acres, on which he now resides, having one of the most 
beautiful of the many beautiful houses of the town of Almont. He 
was married November 20, 1842, to Emily Ingalls, of the town of 
Almont. 

H. E. MoREY was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., September 
9, 1824. His father kept hotel and dealt in stock. When he was 
fourteen years old his father died, and he then learned and worked 
at the carpenter's trade at Watertown, N. Y., where the family had 
moved after his father's death. When he was twenty-three years old 
he left home, residing in Waterloo, Niagara and other places in 
New York. He crossed Niagara bridge on the first train that went 
over. In 1855 he went to Wisconsin and was employed on the Fox 
and Wisconsin Eiver improvement, and on the Manitowoc & Mis- 
sissippi E. E. He came to Almont in 1858, and lived in the vil- 
lage of Almont until 1886, when he moved to his present residence 
one mile north of the village. Was married in 1857 to Caroline 
Eichtmyer, a native of New York, and has one child. Mr. Morey 
has constructed and aided in constructing many of the principal 
buildings in Almont, among others the Stevens, Currier and Town- 
send blocks, and the residence of James Johnson on St. Clair 
Street. 

Garrett Schenck was born in Floyd, Oneida County, N. Y., 
August 11, 1808. He remained there until he was twenty-seven 
years old, his early occupation being farming. In 1835 he came to 
Almont, and located the east one-half of northwest quarter section 
22, which was then forest. Here he lived until the time of his 
death, in July, 1868, and here his widow resides. In March, 1835, 
he married Betsy Matteson, a native of New York. They had six chil- 
dren, of whom four are living: Eoxy, wife of EUsha Pendleton, of 
Arcadia; Elden A., who lives adjoining his mother's place; Amos P., 
who lives with his mother; and A. D., whose farm is in section 
14. 

F. P. Currier was born in Newbury, Vt., April 11, 1812. He 
remained there until he was twenty-one years old, most of the time 
upon the farm. From Newbury he went to Haverhill, Mass., and 



remained four years, learning several trades while there, among 
others the trade of machinist. Eeturning to Newbury?, \^t., he re- 
mained several years. There he married, November 7, 1837, Mary 
P. Clark. In 1847 he moved to Almont, having visited the town two 
years previously. For several years he was employed as a millwright. 
In 1851 he formed with J. P. Muzzy the firm of Muzzy & Currier, 
consolidating the foundry and machine business of Almont in one 
establishment, and in 1853 erected the shops now occupied by H. 
A. Currier & Bro. In 1869 Mr. Currier went out of the foundry 
and machine business, and soon after in company with Uriel Town- 
send established a bank which in 1872 was transferred to C. Fergu- 
son & Son. They built for the use of the bank the block now occu- 
pied by Taylor & Hopkin and S. Smith. In connection with the 
bank they also engaged in the lumber business and with signal suc- 
cess, an investment of $30,000 yielding, in twenty- two months, 
160,000. Mr. Currier has now retired from active business, and occu- 
pies himself in attending to his landed and other interests, having 
four farms and other landed property in Lapeer, St. Clair and Sani- 
lac Counties, as weU as a large amount of village property. He has 
always taken an active interest in all public matters. To his active 
efforts and liberal aid is largely due the completion of the railroad 
(a branch of the P. H. & N. W. E. E.), which has contributed so 
materially to the growth and prosperity of the town. 

Gilbert Bostick was born in the town of Bristol (Almont), Sep- 
tember 30, 1837. He was brought up on the farm on w^hich he now 
lives, east one-half of southeast quarter of section 4, which w^as orig- 
inally entered by John Walden. He was married in 1860 to Ellen 
Mahaffy, of Bruce, Macomb County, and has four children. His 
father. Dr. Elijah Bostick, died May 15, 1880. 

Maitland E. Martin, of the firm of Colerick & Martin, dealers 
in general merchandise, was born in Whitby, Ontario, Canada, in 
1828. His boyhood and youth were spent upon a farm and attend- 
ing school. At the age of twenty- three years he came to Almont, 
and in 1852 was proprietor of the Exchange Hotel. Subsequently 
he engaged in the livery business. He then operated a farm in sec- 
tion 18 (west one-half of the southwest quarter) until 1857. For 
nine years he was employed as clerk in various stores in Almont, 
then in farming for two years. In 1879 he engaged in his present 
business. He was married in June, 1852, to Miss Harriet K. French, 
of Whitby, Canada. Mr. Martin has been supervisor of the town 
of Almont for the last seven years, and has held other town 
offices. 

George W. Allen was born in Erie County, N. Y., September 
15, 1813. When he was nine years old his parents moved to 
Michigan, and settled on a farm near Pontiac. There were at that 
time but three houses in Pontiac. In 1824 they moved to Macomb 
County, and in 1840 to Lapeer County. He* took a farm in section 
34, town of Dryden. Moved thence to Oakland County, and re- 
mained one year. Then came to Almont and bought east one-half 
of southwest quarter section 31, where he now resides. This tract 
was entered at the government land office about 1834, by Mr. Beach, 
a brother of Mrs. Allen. Mr. Alien was married March 26, 1843, 
to Juha Ann Beach. They have three children. Though not one 
of the earhest settlers of Almont, Mr. Allen has, from his near vi- 
cinity to the town, been closely identified with its early history. In 
1827 he drove the team for a party consisting of his father, Will- 
iam Allen, James Thorington and Levi Washburne, who cut a road 
northward through the center of the town to reach the pinery be- 
yond. He also, the following year, came through from Washing- 
ton, Macomb County, with James Deneen, when he made the first 
settlement in the town. Mr. Allen's two sons and his daugh- 
ter are living with him, the sons cultivating the farm. Almon A. 
was born in Almont, July 7, 1847; James 0. was born 



Vli 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



49 



in Almont February 8, 1858; the daughter, Caroline, was born in 
Oakland County, July 26, 1844. 

Joseph Bristol was born at Eiga, Monroe County, N. Y., in 
1818. In 1831 his parents came to Almont and located the east 
one-half of southeast quarter section 33, on which George Bristol 
now lives. In 1849 he bought west one-half northeast quarter and 
northeast quarter of northwest quarter section 34. June 13, 1847, 
he married Mary Ann Ingalls, daughter of David Ingalls, one of 
the pioneers of Almont. Mr. Bristol died December 18, 1877. 
His widow resides on the land entered by her father in 1830 (east 
one-half of northeast quarter section 33). There are six children 
living. 

Marquis Lafayette Wheelock was born in the town of Thorn - 
ville, Lapeer County, November 4, 1852. During his infancy his 
parents moved to Almont and kept the Exchange Hotel several 
years. Then moved to Wisconsin , and after four or five years' absence 
returned to Lapeer County and bought a farm near Imlay City. 
His father died at Nashville, Tenn., of disease contracted in the 
miUtary service. At the age of fifteen he began working on his 
own account, and has since that time been employed in lumbering, 
saw-mill work and farming. In 1880 he bought a farm of forty- 
five acres in the town of Lapeer. June 25, 1879, he married Emma 
Booth, of Almont. 

Thomas Springett was born in England in 1828. He came to 
this country and to Almont in 1841, and for seven years worked at 
harness making, which had been his occupation in England. In 
1858 he engaged in farming (in section 30). He subsequently sold 
his farm to his son, and in 1882 took up his residence in the village 
of Almont. He was married in 1851 to Mary Ann Winton, and 
has two sons, both farmers. 

Charles H. Springett was born in the village of Almont, 
March 7, 1856. During his infancy his parents moved on their 
farm in section 30, on which he has lived ever since, and which he 
bought in the summer of 1882. He was married December 10, 
1878, to Elma Laughlin, a native of Almont, and they have one 
child. 

James McRoy, or as the name was formerly speUed, McElroy, 
was born in County Antrim, North Ireland, June 1, 1812. Came 
to this country to Hartford, Conn., in 1832, and there worked at 
his trade of carpet weaver for seven years, and was then engaged 
in farming. In 1857 he came to Almont and settled on east half 
of northwest quarter of section 21, which he had bought of the 
government in 1833. He afterward bought the southeast quarter 
of southwest quarter of section 16, on which his house now stands. 
He was married in 1833 to Marry Lochead, of Kilmarnock, Scot- 
land, and has six children. Six have died, one being killed in the 
army, and one dying of disease contracted in the service. 

Thomas J. McRoy, son of James McRoy, was born in Hartford, 
Conn., April 7, 1846. Was brought up on a farm. Came to 
Almont in 1857 with his parents; remained with them until 1878, 
when he bought a farm of eighty acres, northwest quarter of north- 
west quarter of section 20 and southeast quarter of southeast 
quarter of section 16. He was married in 1878 to Mary Taylor, a 
native of Armada, Macomb County, Michigan, and they have one 
child. 

Dennison E. Hazen was born in Killingly, Conn., March 18, 
1814. During his infancy his parents moved to Genesee County, 
N. Y., and remained four years. From there they went to "Warren 
County, Pennsylvania. In 1834 he came with his parents to 
Macomb County, where they settled on a farm two miles west of 
Romeo. In 1843 he came to Almont and worked for a time at 
shoe making and a portion of the time at farming until 1852, when 



with his brother-in-law, Thomas Cherryman, he engaged in general 
merchandising under the firm name of Hazen & Cherryman. After 
the dissolution of the firm Mr. Hazen continued in business alone 
for a time, and in 1860 sold to his son-in-law, James N. Harris. 
He assisted Mr. Harris until he sold out. Mr. Hazen has been 
actively engaged in town and. county business. Has been justice 
of the peace in 1858, town clerk, treasurer, supervisor for four 
years, and county treasurer one term. In the spring of 1835 he 
married Rhoda A. Jennison, a native of New Hampshire. Has one 
child, Mrs. John N. Harris, with whom he now resides. 

J. W. Learmont was born on Long Island, N. Y., December 
9, 1835. In 1837 his parents came to Almont and settled on sec- 
tion 27, which was then forest. He has remained ever since on 
the old homestead, northwest quarter of southwest quarter of sec- 
tion 27, to which he has lately added by purchase the southwest 
quarter of southwest quarter. He also has lands in sections 2 and 
21. Was married in 1873 to Mary J. FuUerton, a native of 
Canada, and has two children. 

RoswELL Taggart was born in Dunham, Lower Canada, in 
1802. When he was twelve years old his parents removed to 
western New York. In April, 1850, he came to Almont and 
bought the farm on which he now lives, the west half of southwest 
quarter of section 32. In 1831 he married Julia Stevens, a native 
of New York. They have three children living; three have died. 
Mrs. Taggarfc is still living at the age of eighty. 

Abraham Van Antwerp was born in Schaghticoke, N. Y., 
March 3, 1816. During his boyhood his parents moved to Saratoga 
County, where he remained until he was sixteen years old. He 
then served three years' apprenticeship at the trade of carpenter 
and joiner, at which he worked in Saratoga County until 1854, 
when he came to Almont and worked at his trade four years. 
Then bought the farm on which he now lives, east half of north- 
west quarter of section 20, and five acres adjoining in section 17. 
In connection with farming he has been employed a portion of the 
time as carpenter and joiner and millwright. He was first mar- 
ried in 1840 to Ann M. Vandecar, who died at Lapeer in 1853. 
His second wife was Miranda Humphrey, to whom he was married 
in 1855. He has six children, of whom two, a son and a daughter, 
remain at home. The son, Edgar, who was born in Almont April 

27, 1860, assists in carrying on the farm. 

W. H. Whitehead was born in Wayne County, N. Y., February 
8, 1830. During his childhood his parents moved to Ohio. In 
1840 they moved to Addison, Oakland County, Mich., where he 
attended school and worked on the farm until he was twenty-one 
years of age. He then came to Almont and worked at farming, by 
the month, for about three years. Then tended bar about three 
years, after which he established a saloon in Almont. His present 
saloon on the northwest corner of Main and St. Clair Streets was 
estabhshed in 1879. He was married in 1858 to Polly Myers, who 
died July 6, 1874, leaving one child. October 29, 1876, he mar- 
ried Hattie Crager. 

M. Shoemaker was born in Addison, Oakland County, Mich., 
in 1845. Commenced work at farming on his own account at the 
age of fcwenty-two. In 1870 he bought a farm of 100 acres, six 
and one-half miles west of Romeo. In 1873 he bought the farm 
on which he now resides, west half of northwest quarter of section 

28. He was married in May, 1870, to Betsy L. Beebe, and has 
three children. 

James F. Ferguson was bom at East Rush, Monroe County, 
N. Y., May 7, 1848. The same year his parents moved to Almont. 
He now resides on the farm which his father bought at that time 
in section 15. He was first married in 1870 fco Alice Carpenter, 



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60 



HISTOEY OF LAPEBE COUNTY. 



who died. In April, 1882, he married Margaret Cochrane. Has 
two children. 

C. E. Wales was born near Montreal, Canada, September 30, 
1825. At the age of five years he went with his parents to Erie 
County, N. Y., whence they moved in 1834 to Macomb County, 
Mich., and in 1835 to Almont, or Bristol, and bought of the 
United States the northwest quarter of southwest quarter of section 
29 and southeast quarter of section 30. His father, Willard Wales, 
was one of the earliest road commissioners of the town of Almont. 
Mr. Wales was married in August, 18i46, to Electa Matteson, of 
Genesee County, N. Y., and has two children. He still resides on 
the old homestead, where nearly his whole life has been spent. 

Samuel E. Fekguson was born in the State of New York in 
1831. When he was eight years of age his parents moved to Oak- 
land County, Mich., and bought a farm. This he retained and 
resided on until 1878, when he transferred it to his son, and located 
in Almont; purchased southwest quarter of section 28 and east half 
of southeast quarter of section 29, which he now cultivates, making 
his residence, however, in the village of Almont. He was married 
in 1853 to Mary C. Lawrence, of Lapeer County, and has three 
children. 

HuLBERT EEm%as born in Vermont in 1807. From there went 
to western New York. His earlier as well as later life was spent on 
a farm. In 1836 he came to Almont and bought a farm of 160 
acres in section 27, to which he has since added forty acres. About 
170 acres are cleared. He has one of the best farms in the town, 
and well stocked. Mr. Eeid was married in 1834 to Lydia Whea- 
ton, and has ten children. 

W. E. Merritt was born in the township of Attica, Lapeer 
County, Mich., in 1856, and in 1862 moved to the township of 
Dryden, where he remained until 1868. He then went to Oakland 
County, where he resided until- 1872, when he returned, and in 
1875 located in Dryden, remaining there until 1882, when he again 
made his home in Almont, where he still remains. Has been 
engaged in lumbering during the past five years. Was married in 
1883 to Miss Adell Balch, of Dryden. 

Gardiner Carr, deceased, was born in Middlebury, Vermont, 
in 1799, and in 1836 came to Michigan and settled in the township 
of Almont, Lapeer County, taking up land from the government 
and speculators, on sections 1 and 11, where he continued to reside 
until his death, in 1879. He was married in 1824 to Miss Sarah 
Dodge, of Vermont, by whom he had a son and daughter. The 
son, Capt. T. C. Carr, deceased, was born in 1827, and enlisted in 
the Sixteenth Michigan Infantry, in which he served as captain. 
He was the first man killed in the regiment, at the battle of Gaines 
Hill. He was married in 1853, to Miss Mary Snow, who died in 
1856, leaving one son, Wm. T. Oarr; was again married in 1857 to 
Miss E. E. Komer, of the State of New York. The daughter. Miss 
A. A. Carr, was married in 1853, to Wm. W. Wilder, of Metamora, 
and settled on section 1. He enlisted, in 1861, in the Sixteenth 
Michigan Infantry, and was wounded in the first battle at Gaines 
Hill, from which he soon after died, in the hands of the Confeder- 
ates, leaving a wife and four children. 

Wm. Ovens was born in Biggar, Scotland ; was clerk in a gro- 
cery store in Glasgow for a few years ; came to Almont in the fall of 
1862, and was engaged with Henry Stevens five years; commenced 
business for himself in 1867, and associated with him his brother, 
James, in 1872, and continued together until 1883, since which he 
has continued the business alone. He has the largest store in St. 
Clair, Macomb and Lapeer Counties, occupying 10,000 feet of floor- 
ing and carrying under one roof the largest stock of general mer- 
chandise north of Detroit. 



TOW:Nr OF LAPEER 

The town of Lapeer occupies a central position in the county 
on account of its railway connections and the fact of the county seat 
being within its limits. 

The township is bounded on the north by Mayfield, east by 
Attica, south by Metamora and west by Elba. 

December 30, 1834, the town of Lapeer was organized, includ- 
ing all the county of Lapeer as now organized except the townships 
of Almont and Imlay. 

The first township meeting was held at the house of E. H. 
Higley, April 6, 1835. 

Previous to this time the inhabitants of this extensive tract of 
country were obliged to go to Pontiac to pay taxes and attend to all 
judicial business. 

At the first town meeting the following persons were elected to 
the several offices named, viz.: Supervisor, Jonathan E. White; 
clerk, Alvin N. Hart; assessors, William S. Higley, Samuel Murlin, 
John I. Carr; constable and collector, Morris Perry; directors of the 
poor, Joseph B. Moore, Samuel Muilin; commissioners of high- 
ways, Alvm McMasters, Daniel Turrill, Paul G. Davison; constables, 
Aaron Brigham, Joel M. Palmer; school inspectors. Minor Y. Tur- 
rill, Oliver B. Hart, Oliver P. Davison. 

A wolf bounty of one dollar for each scalp was voted in pursu- 
ance of a prevailing custom at that time. 

February 2, 1836, the town board met at the house of Alvin N. 
Hart to grant permits to persons applying for license to keep tavern 
for the ensuing year. Oliver B. Hart made application and the 
record states that ''the board having satisfied themselves of the said 
Hart's ability and character, do hereby permit the said Oliver B. 
Hart; to keep tavern at his now dwelling-house in Lapeer village for 
the current year." 

The annual town meeting in April, 1836, for the election of 
town officers, commenced at the late dwelling-house of E. H. Higley. 
The price of wolf scalps was doubled at this meeting and dther 
town business transacted. 

September 12, 1836, a meeting was held to elect a delegate to 
attend the State convention at Ann Arbor, for the purpose of assent- 
ing or dissenting to the proposition of Congress. Mason Butts re- 
ceived thirty-three votes and Benjarain Sleeper thirty-one votes. 

At the general election held at the house of Oliver B. Hart in 
November, 1836, 100 votes were polled. 

The division of road districts was made in 1835. Eight dis- 
tricts w^ere laid out. 

Twelve highways were laid out between the first of May, 1835, 
and April 1, 1836. At the annual town meeting in April, 1836, a 
resolution was adopted that every section line be declared a high- 
way of four rods wide. 

In September, 1840, two and one-quarter acres of ground were 
purchased of Minor Y. Turrill at a cost of f 112, for a burying 
ground, which was located on the east half of the southeast quarter 
of section 8. 

March 15, 1849, the township of Mayfield was made a part of 
Lapeer and remained so until March, 1869. 



ENTEIES OF LAND. 

The following list shows the entries of land prior to the year 
1846: 

TOWNSHIP 7 NORTH, RANGE 10 EAST. 

Section 1. Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 
Beach, April 2, 1836. 
Mason Butts, September 14, 1836. 






;rv* 






^, 



^ a 





HIBTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 


51 


Section 1. 


Alvin N. Hart and Lemuel Weston, November 14 


Section 10. Phineas White, May 31, 1833. 






1836. 


Aaron Rood, May 19, 1834. 






Thomas Probyn, November 15, 1836. 


Samuel Hemenway, May 24, 1834. 






George F. Ball, March 10, 1836. 


Estes H. Higley, November 18, 1B34. 






Harry Waldorph, November 8, 1838. 


Estes H. Higley, May 2, 1835. 






Barnard Cook, December 5, 1838. 


Asael J. Gray, June 3, 1835. 






Eichard J. Vosburgh, February 20, 1844. 


John Peters, June 19, 1835. 




Section 2. 


James Dixon, January 9, 1835. 


Aaron Rood, October 8, 1835. 






Oliver B. Hart, February 12, 1836. 


Section 11. Phineas White, May 31, 1833. 






John Shafer, March 24, 1836. 


Ira Peck, October 30, 1835. 






Nathan Dickinson, WilHam H. Imlay and George 


George Gage, December 4, 1835. 






Beach, April 2, 1836. 


Daniel Wood, December 4, 1835. 






A. Rood and J. S. Munson, January IB, 1836. 


George Gage, May 16, 1836. 




Section 8. 


Clark C. Carpenter, July 19, 1834. 


Hiram Ward, May 21, 1836. 






Harvey Gray, September 8, 1834. 


Orvis W. Rood, November 25, 1836. 






Harvey Gray, May 19, 1835. 


Section 12. Dwight Salmon, May 26, 1836. 






Frank Lombard, October 31, 1834. 


Asa Cole, June 27, 1838. 






Frank Lombard, November 5, 1834. 


Thomas Ryan, November 16, 1840. 






Harvey Thomas, July 24, 1835. 


Lewis V. R. Whitaker, December 16, 


1844. 




Aaron Rood, October 8, 1835. 


Section 13. Francis Fowler, May 26, 1836. 






Aaron Rood, October 29, 1835. 


Alonzo Orcutt, May 26, 1836. 






Aaron Rood and J. S. Munson, June 13, 1836. 


Nathaniel C. Bullock, June 2, 1836. 




Section 4. 


Oliver B. Hart, July 11, 1831. 


Mosly Stoddard, June 24, 1836. 






George F. Ball, January 4, 1832. 


Section 14. Ransom Cole, January 4, 1836. 






Joel Palmer and Alvin N. Hart, February 23, 1832. 


Reuben Cole, January 4, 1836. 






Walker Booth, March 24, 1832. 


James Turrill, May 6, 1836. 






Joseph England and Jesse Fox, July 2, 1832. 


Hiram Ward, May 21, 1836. 






Alvin N. Hart, January 30, 1833. 


Francis Fowler, May 26, 1836. 




Section 5. 


Daniel LeRoy, September 16, 1830. 
Benjamin Taggart, October 30, 1830. 


Alonzo Orcutt, May 26, 1836. 
John Esmond, May 27, 1836. 






Oliver B. Hart, July 12, 1831. 


Section 15. Isaac Goodale, November 10, 1835. 






Joshua Terry, November 12, 1831. 
J. R. White, January 16, 1832. 


Israel W. Bullock, January 4, 1836. 




Section 6. 


Joseph Gilbert, February 9, 1836. 






Minor Y. Turrill, October 27, 1832. 


Henry S. Piatt, May 2, 1836. 






Theron Simes, July 14, 1834. 
John Shafer, December 18, 1835. 


Gardner Dorrance, May 2, 1836. 






Levi D. Coules, May 2, 1836. 






E. J. White, January 21, 1836. 
Simeon B. Brown, February 8, 1836. 
Phineas White, March 8, 1836. 


Section 16. Woodward & Hart, October 4, 1843. 






Section 17. James Dixon, August 7, 1835. 






Minor Y. Turrill, March 9, 1836. 








John Thomas, March 9, 1836. 




Section ' 7. 


Nathan White, September 26, 1833. 


Harry S. Piatt, May 2, 1836. 






William C. Young, July 4, 1834. 


Gardner Dorrance, May 2, 1836. 






Enoch J. White, September 4, 1834. 


James Turrill, May 6, 1836. 






George Otto, December 21, 1835. 


Ira Dickinson, July 5, 1836. 






Joshua B. Chapel, February 8, 1836. 


Margaret Dixon, July 10, 1844. 






Isaac Wheeler, March 8, 1836. 


Section 18. Rensselaer Curtis, October 28, 1833. 






James W. Tillman, April 12, 1836. 


Rensselaer Curtis, June 2, 1834. 






James W. Tillman, April 20, 1836. ^ 


Nicholas Poss, June 19, 1834. 




Section 8. 


Walker Booth, March 24, 1832. 


Nicholas Poss, July 27, 1835. 






Henry K. Avery, August 25, 1832. 


Nicholas Poss, October 30, 1835. 






Phineaa White, September 27, 1832. 


Ira Howland, March 26, 1836. 






Jonathan R. White, January 25, 1833. 


Ira C. Alger, April 19, 1836. 






Jonathan R. White, May 31, 1833. 


Addine M. Poss, July 6, 1836. 






Enoch J. White, March 3, 1834. 


Isaac Wheeler, July 7, 1836. 






Morris Perry, March 25, 1834. 


Enoch J. White, April 20, 1838. 






Isaac L. Smith, April 10, 1834. 


Section 19. Trumbull Carey, October 29, 1835. 






Minor Y. Turrill, September 4, 1834. 


George Clark, .)r., January 6, 1836. 






Asael Hubbard, November 18, 1834. 


Rebecca Clark, January 6, 1836. 






George Otto, December 21, 1835. 


Delos Davis and Thaddeus 0. Martin 


, February 27, 


Section 9. 


John McMaster, March 5, 1832. 


1836. 






Daniel Terrill, June 9, 1832. 


Henry W. Martin, May 5, 1836. 






William T. Higley, July 24, 1832. 


Wilham Osborn, January 17, 1836. 


• 


1 


Aaron Rood, October 8, 1835. 


Jabez M. Corey, January 24, 1836. 





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4 


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^ S) 


'i\ 




^ 

1 


52 


HISTOEY OF LAPEEE 


COUNTY. 


P 

^ 




Section 19. 


James Dixon, May 8, 1837. 


Section 28. 


D. Langdon, H. G. Hubbard and T. H. Hubbard, 






Section 20. 


Alvin N. Hart, February 23, 1832. 
Alvin N. Hart, May 23, 1832. 




July 7, 1836. 
Eebecca Clark, November 10, 1836. 








N. Dickinson. "William H. Imlay and George Beach, 


_ 


Hosea Woodward, May 14, 1841. 








March 17, 1836. 




Lewis V. E. Whitney, July 5, 1841. 








Thomas Golby, July 5, 1836. 


Section 29. 


George Clark, August 4, 1832. 








Harvey D. Felt, July 5, 1836. 




George Clark, March 13, 1833. 








Ezra Tripp, July 21, 1837. 




John Kirk, December 23, 1833. 








Stephen Tripp, July 21, 1837. 




Joseph Jackson, December 23, 1833. 








Ezra Tripp, October 23, 1837. 




George Stringer, April 18, 1836. 








Stephen Tripp, October 23, 1837. 




Charles and Gasca Eich, July 11, 1836. 








Thomas Walker, April 12, 1839. 




John Walker, April 12, 1839. 






Section 21. 


James Turrill, May 6, 1836. 
Noah H. Hart, July 6, 1836. 
George F. Ball, July 7, 1836. 
Eensselaer David, October 14, 1836. 
Noah H. Hart, October 17, 1836. 


Section 30. 


Asahel Hubbard, August 19, 1833. 
Sarah H. Howland, April 25, 1836. 
Daniel H. Chandler, May 2, 1836. 
John S. Wright, May 5, 1836. 
Charles and Gasca Eich, May 12, 1836. 








Henry Brown, December 19, 1836. 


Section 31. 


James Witherell, April 28, 1836. 








Enos Waterbury, June 15, 1837. 




Daniel H. Chandler, May 2, 1836. 






Section 22. 


Joseph Gillman and Orrin Cartwright, March 24, 
1836. 




Charles and Gasca Eich, May 12, 1836. 
Joseph B. Morse, October 19, 1836. 








Douglas Houghton, March 28, 1836. 


Section 32. 


George Clark, July 2, 1832. 








Francis G. Macey, June 1, 1836. 




George Clark, February 6, 1835. 








Elon G. Huntington, June 23, 1836. 




John Canan, May 28, 1836. 






Section 23. 


Robert Green, April 28, 1832. 
Hiram Ward, May 21, 1836. 
Edward D. Ives, May 26, 1836. 
Francis G. Macey, June 1, 1836. 




Matthew Ealey, May 28, 1836. 

Joseph B. Morse, October 19, 1836. 

George Clark, November 10, 1836. 

Isaac Brown and David W. Wells, November 14, 1836. 








Wilham L. Pickering, June 6, 1836. 


Section 33. 


George Clark, October 28, 1835. 






Section 24. 


WiUiam L. Pickering, June 6, 1836. 
Luke F. Roscoe, June 29, 1836. 
Luman Bullock, January 16, 1837. 
Julius Beardsley, February 10, 1838. 
Tilly Hubbard, December 19, 1839. 
Ira Jarvis, December 25, 1839. 




John Van Allsteine, November 2, 1835. 

Fred H. Stevens, March 1, 1836. 

Francis G. Macey and Amon W. Langdon, May 17, 

1836. 
John Schuneman, Jr., May 21, 1836. 
Charles and Gasca Eich, July 11, 1836. 








Horace Berry, April 15, 1840. 


Section 34. 


Francis G. Macey and Amon W. Langdon, May 17, 








Fellys Hubbard, September 23, 1841. 




1886. 






Section 25. 


Amon W. Langdon and Francis G. Macey, May 17, 

1836. 
WiUiam L. Pickering, June 6, 1836.. 




John Schuneman, Jr., May 21, 1836. 
Addison Orcutt, January 24, 1837. 
Elijah BuUock, June 17, 1844. 








Heman Locee, July 11, 1836. 


Section 35. 


Oliver Wiswall, April 12, 1836. 








Lyman Jarvis, April 24, 1841. 




Francis G. Macey and Amon W. Langdon, May 11 






Section 26. 


Robert Greene, April 28, 1832. 
Joseph Harris, Jr., May 22, 1832. 
Euratas P. Hastings, March 10, 1836. 




and 17, 1836. 
Clark C. Bout well and Benjamin J. Boutwell, May 
13, 1836. 








Oliver Wiswell, April 12, 1836. 


Section 36. 


Francis G. Macey and Amon W. Langdon, May 17, 








Francis G. Macey and Amon W. Langdon, May 17, 

1836. 
William L. Pickering, June 6, 1836. 




1836. 












Section 27. 


Francis G. Macey and Amon W. Langdon, May 17, 




EAELY HISTOEY. 








1836. 


The earliest operations in Lapeer Township were at the county | 








D. Houghton, H. G. Hubbard and T. H. Hubbard, 


seat in 1830, 


followed by settlement late in the fall of 1881; the 








July 7, 1836. 


early history 


is therefore largely told in the early history of Lapeer 








Gideon Tripp, July 21, 1837. 


City. 










Benjamin B. Kercheval, March 5, 1838. 


In the summer of 1832 Mr. George Claik, a native of England, 








Charles Perkins, June 13, 1839. 


with a large family, came into the township and settled on section 








Charles Perkins, November 20, 1840. 


32. Mr. Clark has been dead many years but his descendants are 






S:^CTiON 28. 


Barnard Cook, November 2, 1835. 
John Kirk, March 3, 1836. 


prominent citizens of the town. 

About this time Alvin McMaster built a saw-mill on section 8. 








Elizabeth Kirk, May 3, 1836. 


Estes H 


. Higley came from Vermont and settled on section 10 








James Turrill, May 6, 1836. 


in 1834. A 


son, George W. Higley, now lives upon the old home- 




4 




Francis G. Macey and Amon W. Langdon, May 17, 


stead. 




L 




1836. 


Mr. Estes Higley built a saw-mill on a branch of the Flint 

_ ■._ _ _ 1 


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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



63 



Eiver, and also a carding and wool carding factory. "William Hig- 
ley also built a mill near by. A school-house was built in that 
vicinity. All are still standing but dilapidation has fastened itself 
upon them. They now serve no other purpose than to remind one 
of days that are gone. 

A. J. Gray located here in 1835. He came from Wayne 
County, N. Y. 

Francis Fowler settled on section 14 in 1836. He died in 1871. 
Ira Peck also settled here in 1836. He was killed in a saw-mill in 
1865. George Stringer located here in the spring of 1836. 

The TurriUs and Eoods were also prominent among the early 
farmers of the town. 

Soon after Mr. Clark's family located here it was reported at 
the village that a family had settled at the oak openinpjs, five miles 
distant. The social tendencies of people in those days were greater 
than at a later day, and the first thing which occurred to the little 
handful of villagers was that the solitary family of settlers five miles 
away, would be Hkely to find their advent into this new region a 
lonely one. A visit was planned by the women of the village, vege- 
tables were gathered and Captain Noah H. Hart was appointed 
teamster. With a pair of oxen and a heavy wagon he transported 
the company through the woods to the home of the new comers. 
The Clark habitation consisted of four posts driven into the ground, 
and a shght covering afforded protection from the elements. Cook- 
ing operations were carried on outside. The visit was an enjoyable 
one and both hosts and guests were made to feel better by the 
neighborly act. 

The Hunter's Creek settlement sprang up at an early day, and 
a postoffice by that name was established in the south part of the 
township. Harris Tripp, John Walker, 0. P. Davison and John 
Clark have been postmasters. The latter is the present incumbent 
of the office. The building of the Detroit & Bay City Kailroad in 1872, 
elevated the settlement to the rank of a railway station and a ship- 
ping point. An elevator was built, and in 1873 Mr. John Clark 
erected a saw and shingle-mill. He also carries on the mercantile 
business in which he succeeded Ohver P. Davison. 

The Hunter's Creek Burying Ground Association was organized 
July 4, 1862. Officers : President, Thomas Clark ; clerk, Oliver P. 
Davison; treasurer, John Clark. Changes have been made in the 
association, but the ground purchased is still the burial place of 
that neighborhood. 

The First Baptist Society of Hunter's Creek was organized in 
November, 1878. The trustees were as follows: Milton Titsworth, 
Malachi Tripp, Andrew W. White, James Clark, Susan C. Clark. 
A church building was erected and is supplied from pastors of neigh- 
boring societies. 

There is a Methodist Episcopal Church building, which was 
erected at an early day but it has not been used for some time. 



STATISTICAL. 



The population of the town of Lapeer in 1840 was 755. 

Census of 1874 : Population, 1,156 ; acres of taxable land, 20,354 ; 
of improved land, 10,871 ; number of sheep, 3,385 ; horses, 419 ; cows, 
519. Products of the preceding year : 16,633 pounds of wool sheared, 
55,544 pounds of pork marketed, 61,486 pounds of butter made, 
26,106 bushels of wheat raised, 25,414 of corn, 34,474 of other 
grains, 9,020 of apples, 92 of pears, 193 of cherries, 12,577 of pota- 
toes, 1,948 tons of hay cut, 1,278 pounds of fruit dried for market, 
329 barrels of cider made; 200 pounds of maple sugar were made 
in 1874. 

In 1877 the township produced 53,564 bushels of wheat. The 
farmers who raised more than 1,000 bushels were as follows : John 
Clark & Son, 4,800; S. Bead, 1,300; Mrs. S. Clark, 1,400; 0. B. 



Pike, 1,500; G. Stringer, 1,200; M. Michael, 1,100; J. Dodds, 
1,300; James Clark, 1,200; M. H. Schuneman, 4,000; G. P. Chap- 
man, 1,600; H. C. Rood, 2,500. The largest average yield was 
forty acres which averaged 37|^ bushels. 

In 1880 the population was 1,166. 

The aggregate valuation of real and personal property as 
equahzed by the board of supervisors in 1882 was $697,000. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of the town of 
Lapeer, for the year 1882, shows the number of school children to 
have been 306; number of school buildings, six. The school inspec- 
tors were William McQuin, H. F. Brown, H. A. Greeley, Andrew 
McGregor, L. J. Russell, James Eeed. 



TOWN OFFICERS. 

1835 — Supervisor, Jonathan R. White; clerk, Alvin N. Hart; 
collector, Morris Perry. 

1836 — Supervisor, Mason Butts; clerk, Levi Vosburgh; col- 
lector, Morris Perry. 

1837— Supervisor, Alvin N. Hai-t; clerk, A. Hubbard; col- 
lector, Ira Howland. 

1838 — Supervisor, Horace N. Lathrop; clerk, John Ryon; col- 
lector, Ira Howland. 

1839 — Supervisor, Frank Lumbard; clerk, Orrin M. Evans; 
treasurer, Derrick Stebbins. 

1840 — Supervisor, Chester Hatch; clerk. Derrick Stebbins; 
treasurer, Martin Stiles. 

1841 — Supervisor, Levi Sawtell; clerk, Horace Hinman ; treas- 
urer, Aaron Rood. 

1842 — Supervisor, Alvin N. Hart; clerk, Isaac McKeen; treas- 
urer, Joseph B. Hart. 

1843 — Supervisor, Alvin N. Hart; clerk, Isaac McKeen; treas- 
urer, Samuel Tomlinson. 

1844— Supervisor, Alvin N. Hart; clerk, D.. Miller; treasurer, 
Samuel Tomlinson. 

1845 — Supervisor, Alvin N. Hart; clerk, W. Loud; treasurer, 
Horace D. Rood. 

1846 — Supervisor, Alvin N. Hart; clerk, W. Loud; treasurer, 
Horace D. Rood. 

1847 — Supervisor, Alvin N. Hart; clerk, M. W. Smith; treas- 
urer, Robert Patterson. 

1848 — Supervisor, Alvin N. Hart; clerk, George F. Ball; treas- 
urer, Robert Patterson. 

1849 — Supervisor, Noah H. Hart; clerk, William Beech; 
treasurer, Robert Patterson. 

1850 — Supervisor, Noah H. Hart; clerk, Wilham Beech; 
treasurer, Robert Patterson. 

1851 — Supervisor, Noah H. Hart; clerk, William Beech; 
treasurer, Asahel Gray. 

1852— Supervisor, Noah H. Hart; clerk, William Beech; treas- 
urer, Asahel Gray. 

1853 — Supervisor, John B. Evans; clerk, WiUiam Beech; 
treasurer, Asahel Gray. 

1854 — Supervisor, John B. Evans; clerk, William Beech; 
treasurer, Sylvester Shaffer. 

1855 — Supervisor, Horace N. Lathrop; clerk, William H. 
Clark; treasurer, Sylvester Shaffer. 

1856 — Supervisor, John B. Evans; clerk, WiUiam H. Clark; 
treasurer, Sylvester Shaffer. 

1857 — Supervisor, Henry Dodd; clerk, Hubbell Loomis ; treas- 
urer, P. J. Bope. 

1858 — Supervisor, E. J. White; clerk, Hubbell Loomis; treas- 
urer, P. J. Bope. 



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54 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



1859— Supervisor, E. J. White; clerk, J. Henry Turrill; 
treasurer, Silas Wright. 

1860— Supervisor, E. J. White; clerk, George S. Fletcher; 
treasurer, Silas Wright. 

1861— Supervisor, Charles Eich; clerk, George S. Fletcher; 
treasurer, John D. Evans. 

1862— Supervisor, Charles Rich; clerk, Stephen S. Hicks; 
treasurer, John B. Evans. 

18f>3— Supervisor, Charles Rich; clerk, R. C. Vincent; treas- 
urer, L. E. Waterbury. 

1864— Supervisor, Charles Rich; clerk, Stephen S. Hicks; 
treasurer, L. E. Waterbury. 

1865— Supervisor, Stephen S. Hicks; clerk, William Arnold; 
treasurer, Charles M. Davis. 

1866— Supervisor, Stephen S. Hicks; clerk, Charles Rich; 
treasurer, Charles M. Davis. 

1867— Supervisor, John B, Sutton; clerk, Henry A. Birdsall; 
treasurer, Charles M. Davis. 

1868— Supervisor, Horace D. Rood; clerk, Henry A. BirdsaU; 
treasurer, Charles M. Davis. 

1869— Supervisor, Thomas Clark; clerk, W. F. Daley; treas- 
urer, J. W. Teller. 

1870— Supervisor, Thomas Clark; clerk, W. F. Daley; treas- 
urer, J. W. Teller. 

1871— Supervisor, Thomas Clark; clerk, Daniel Conkhn; 
treasurer, J. W. Teller. 

1872— Supervisor, Thomas Clark; clerk, Daniel Conklin; 
treasurer, J. W. Teller. 

1873— Supervisor, W. B. Sutton; clerk, E. A. Higley; treas- 
urer, A. A. Rood. 

1874— Supervisor, W. B. Sutton; clerk, W. W. Gardner; 
treasurer, Peter V. B. Schuneman. 

1875— Supervisor, W. B. Suttcn; clerk, E. A. Higley; treas- 
urer, Peter Y. B. Schuneman. 

1876 — Supervisor, George P. Chai3man; clerk, E. A. Higley; 
treasurer, John T. Clark. 

1877— Supervisor, W. B. Sutton; clerk, E. A. Higley; treas- 
urer, John T. Clark. 

1878— Supervisor, Wilham Halpin; clerk, E. A. Higley; treas- 
urer, Peter V. B. Schuneman. 

1879— Supervisor, Wilham Halpin ; clerk, Peter V. B. Schune- 
man ; treasurer, Robert B. Walker. 

1880— Supervisor, H. Palmerlee; clerk, Charles F. Maynard; 
treasurer, Robert B. Walker. 

1881— Supervisor, H. Palmerlee; clerk, Charles F. Maynard; 
treasurer, Walter Butterfield. 

1882— Supervisor, W. B. Sutton; clerk, Charles F. Maynard; 
treasurer, Walter Butterfield. 

1883— Supervisor, H. Palmerlee; clerk, William McQuin; 
treasurer, W. B. Sutton. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Iea Reynolds was born in Columbia County, N. Y., in 1814, 
and came to Lapeer in 1836, where he remained until 1839. He 
then took up a farm on section 11 in the township of Lapeer and 
conducted it till 1841, when he purchased the farm he now resides 
upon on section 27. He has always been a farmer; but for the 
past fifteen years has made a specialty of hop raising, having fifteen 
acres under cultivation. When he first settled on his farm he 
lived for a time in a* small house without windows, doors or floors, 
and his wife did the cooking for the family beside a large log which 
was near the house. At that time bears, wolves and deer were quite 



plentiful. He was married in 1839 to Miss Juha Tripp, who died 
in 1848. They had three children. His second marriage occurred 
September 26, 1849, to Miss Rena Woodard, by whom he had five 
children. 

George W. Higley was born in Vermont in 1830 and came 
with his parents to Lapeer in 1831. His lather took up a large 
tract of land from the government on section 10 in the township 
of Lapeer, which he occupied until his death. Mr. Higley now 
owns a part of the original farm, and also eighty acres a mile to 
the south. He has been engaged in farming and lumbering, and 
was also a clerk in Detroit one year. In December, 1880, he 
organized the firm of Strong & Higley for the purpose of engaging 
in the sale of groceries, provisions and boots and shoes. Their 
store is located on the corner of Nepessing and Mason Streets, 
Lapeer. Mr. Higley has held the office of highway cojnmissioner 
for the township of Lapeer. 

A. J. Gray was born in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1818, and 
came to Lapeer County in the spring of 1835 and settled on section 
3 in the township of Lapeer, where he has since continued to 
reside. He took up a large tract of land and has always been a 
farmer, doing his share of the hard work incident to a new coun- 
try. He has held the offices of justice of the peace, treasurer and 
highway commissioner several terms. Was treasurer when the 
entire north part of the county was included in the township of 
Lapeer. He was married in 1842 to Miss Jane Vosburg, who died 
in July, 1878. They had two children— a son and daughter. 

Thomas Walker, deceased, was a native of England, where he 
was born August 23, 1807. He came to Detroit, Mich., in June 
1832, and remained there till 1836, when he returned to England 
and spent about one year in the land of his birth. On his return 
to Detroit he engaged in business till 1840, when he came to Lapeer 
County and settled in the township of Lapeer on section 29, 
clearing up a large farm, which he managed up to the time of his 
death, in 1868. He was married in 1838 to Miss Mary Green, who 
was also a native of England. They had a family of seven chil- 
dren. 

David Walker was born in the township of Lapeer on the old 
homestead in 1851, and remained on the farm until the death of 
his father in 1868, when he and his brother Robert bought out the 
heirs, and have since been in partnership. They also bought a 
farm on the same section, which is occupied by Robert. He was 
married in 1879 to Miss Belle French. They have two children. 

R. H. Read was born in New Jersey, June 14, 1814, and 
came to Washington, Macomb County, Mich., in 1837. After travel- 
ing about two years in Ilhnois, Iowa and Indiana, he located in 
Union, Oakland County, Mich., and engaged in farming till 1858, 
when he came to Lapeer County, and purchased a farm on section 
23, in the township of Lapeer, upon which he still resides. He 
was married April 3, 1843, to Miss Anna Perry; they have a son 
and daughter. 

Samuel Read was born October 19, 1843, in Orion, Oakland 
County, Mich., and came to Lapeer, with his parents in 1858, and 
has since remained on the farm, which he is now managing. He 
was married January 17, 1872, to Miss Ella Morris, and has four 
children. 

J. W. Dennis is a native of Canada, and was bom in 1838, 
and is by occupation a carpenter and engineer. He came to Lapeer 
in 1865, and now owns ten acres of valuable land near the city, on 
section 7, upon which he has good buildings. Ultimately he 
expects to devote the entire place to the raising of small fruits. 
Was married in 1862, to Miss Louisa Michael, who is also a native 
of Canada. They have four children. 

Matthias Caley (deceased) was born on tlie Isle of Man in 






ihL 



HISTOKY OF LxiPEEE COUNTY. 



55 



Great Britain, in 1789, and emigrated to Utica, Oneida County, N. 
Y., in 1828. He moved to Detroit, Michigan, in 1836, and to Lapeer 
in February, 1837, and settled on section 32; his farm lying on 
both sides of the town line road, he built his house on section 5, in 
Metamora, and remained there till his death in December, 1858. 
There were very few settlers in the township when Mr. Caley 
came in. He was married about the year 1809, to Mary Stephens, 
and had four children. 

Thomas Caley was born on the Isle of Man in 1814, and came 
to Utica, N. Y., in 1828, Detroit in 1836, and to Lapeer in 1837, 
where he remained on the old homestead, till the death of his father 
in 1858. Since that time has owned the old farm, and now owns 
700 acres of land lying in a body, and owns in all 1,500 acres. 
Married in 1841, to Jane Carron, who died in 1862. Second mar- 
riage in 1863, to Sarah Looney; they have three children. 

Zadock Bates was born in Manchester, Bennington County, Ver- 
mont, in 1796, and went to Plattsburgh, N. Y., with his parents, in 
1806, thence to Geauga County, Ohio, in 1820, and in 1821 went to 
Green Bay, Wisconsin (then Michigan), and was engaged as a 
clerk in a store, till 1822. He then went to St. Mary's Falls, Lake 
Superior, and was in the same business for another year, and in 
1823 engaged in business in Oakland County, remaining there till 
1828, then moved to Pennsylvania, and was engaged in farming 
till 1840, when he moved to Lapeer, and settled on section 31, 
where he has since lived. Has cleared up a large farm with the 
help of his sons. Mr. Bates served several months in the army 
during the war of 1812. Married December 6, 1824, to Ehza 
Webster; they have eight children. Mr. Baten has been justice of 
peace four years in the township of Lapeer. 

William W. Bates w^as born in Pennsylvania in 1834, and 
came to Lapeer with his parents in 1840, and remained on the old 
homestead till he was twenty-one years of age, and has since man- 
aged the farm. Married in 1860, to Maria L. Hamler; they have 
three children. 

Asa Palmeklee (deceased) was born in Litchfield, Conn., in 
1803, and in 1819 moved to Otsego County, N. Y., thence in 1830, 
to Franklin ville, Cattaraugus County, N. Y., where he remained until 
1850, in which year he came to Lapeer County and settled in the 
township of Lapeer, on section 31, where he remained till his death, 
which occurred in 1839. When Mr. Palmerlee first located in 
Lapeer, there were no roads laid out in his neighborhood, and he 
commenced in the wilderness, but with the help of his sons he 
cleared up a fine farm. He was married in 1825, to Lucy Seward; 
they raised a family of ten children. 

HoEL Palmerlee was born in Frankhnviile, Cattaraugus County 
N. Y., in 1836, and came with his parents to Lapeer in 1850, and 
has lived on the homestead continuously, with the exception of four 
years spent in Minnesota; his mother resides with him. He has 
been supervisor of the township of Lapeer four years, and is the 
present (1883) incumbent. He was married in 1862 to Miss 
Almina Johnson, who died April 15, 1869, leaving two sons; and 
was again married, August 20, 1874, to Miss Frances E. Brown. 

Egbert B. Walker was born in the township of Lapeer, 
Lapeer County, Mich., in December, 1849, and remained at home 
on the farm until he became of age. In 1872 he and his brother 
purchased the interest of the heirs in the homestead, and in 1879 
they bought the farm which Eobert now lives upon, Avhich is 
located on section 29. He has held the office of highway com- 
missioner one year, treasurer, two years, and school director nine 
years. Was married in December, 1874, to Miss Agnes French; 
they have two daughters. 

John G. Gates was born in Seneca, Ontario County, N. Y., 



in 1822. Owing to the death of his mother, he went to live with 
his grandfather at a very early age, and remained with him until 
twenty-one years old. He then went to Leroy, Genesee County, 
N. Y., and engaged in farming, and in 1856 came to Oakland 
County, Mich., where he remained until 1860, when he came to the 
township of Lapeer and settled on section 30, where he owns a good 
farm. He was married in 1849 to Miss Lois A. Wilcox, and they 
have seven children. 

Andrew L. Kingsbury, Sr., was born in Koxbury, Delaware 
County, N. Y., in 1810, and in 1816 with his parents moved to 
Monroe County, N. Y. In 1833 he came to Shelby, Macomb 
County, Mich., and thence in 1844 to Lapeer County, where he 
located on section 30, in the township of Lapeer, where he has 
since resided. He has cleared up a fine farm upon which he has 
erected good buildings. Mr. Kingsbury held fchepffice of supervisor 
one year, and highway commissioner nine years, while the townships 
of Lapeer and Mayfield were one, and since the division, has repre- 
sented the township of Lapeer in various offices, among which may 
be mentioned the office of justice of the peace, and was under sheriff 
of the county two years. He took the United States census of the 
township in 1880, and for eighteen years was engaged in the insur- 
ance business, in the counties of Lapeer, Genesee, Oakland, Macomb 
and St. Clair. When he came to Michigan in 1833, he found him- 
self in Detroit with a wife and child to support, and with but a 
shilling in his pocket; but, by energy and perseverance, he now 
ranks as one of the substantial farmers of his township. He was 
married in 1830 to Miss Lucy Gillett, who was born in Greene 
County, N. Y., near the Catskill Mountains. They have raised a 
family of ten children. 

W. Butterfield was born in Genesee County, N. Y., in 1832, 
and in 1852 came to Utica, Macomb County, Mich., thence to Lapeer 
in 1871, and purchased the farm he now resides upon, which is 
located on section 9. His farm is well improved, and his buildings 
are substantial and in keeping. Mr. Butterfield has filled the office 
of township treasurer two years. Was married in 1858 to Miss 
Martha Hotham, they have two children. 

Eli Collins was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1806, and 
emigrated to the United States in June, 1850, coming directly to 
Lapeer County, Mich., and located on section 29, of the township 
of Lapeer, where he has since resided. Mr. Collins has been a 
hard working man, having cleared up the greater part of his farm 
which is now classed with the b.est. He was married in 1831 to 
Miss Fanny Nailer, who died in 1849; was again married in 
1850 to Miss EHzabeth Winterburn, and they have had four daugh- 
ters, three of whom are school teachers. 

0. B. Pike was born in Monroe County, N. Y., in 1824, and 
came to Livingston County, Mich., in 1842. He followed thresh- 
ing for a season, and in 1844 went to Saginaw, and was in the 
employ of James Eraser, who built the Eraser House in Bay City. 
Returning to Monroe County in 1847 he purchased a farm, and 
was engaged in farming until 1852, when he went to Ohio and 
bought a steam saw-mill, which he operated till 1856, when he 
again came to Lapeer and engaged in farming. In 1865 he 
purchased the farm he now owns on section 17. He was married 
in 1846 in Saginaw to Miss Mary Ann Eastman. They have two 
sons and five daughters. Mr. Pike has held the office of highway 
commissioner for the township of Lapeer three years. 

William H. Louks was born in Canada, in 1829, moved to 
Illinois in 1853 and was engaged in farming and lumbering till 
1873, when he came to Otsego County, Michigan, and engaged in 
lumbering, and is still in that business. In 1881 came to Lapeer 
and bought the farm he now lives on which is on section 9. He 
also owns farms on sections 10, 15 and 16; he has a fine farm and 



IK* 



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5G 



HISTOKY OF LAPEEK COUNTY. 



elegant buildings. Married in 1851, to Agnes Gray; they have five 
children, Adam, Jane, Ellen, William and Mary. 

George C. Tripp, deceased, was born March 2, 1805, in New 
York, came to Lapeer, Lapeer County, Mich., in 1846, and settled 
on section 35, cleared up his farm, and soon after came to Lapeer, 
built a saw-mill on his own farm on the south branch of Flint 
Eiver; he livea on the farm till his death in 1854. Married in 
1824 to Harriet Beeman wiio died in 1843; they had eight children. 

John L. Tripp was born in New York, March 14, 1833, came 
to Lapeer with his parents in 1846, and has always lived on the old 
farm of 160 acres on section 35; has been engaged in farming since 
his father's death, and ran the saw-mill till 1877. Married April 
10, 1857, to Sarah A. Dailey, who died March 29, 1883; they had 
two children, Libbie, now Mrs. Herand, and Frederick A. 

Henry Dodds, deceased, was born in Lyons, Wayne County, 
N. Y., in 1810, and came to Lapeer County in 1851. He settled 
on section 11 in the township of Lapeer, where he purchased a 
farm upon which his son, John H. Dodds, now resides. He 
engaged exclusively in farming until his death, which occurred in 
1874. He was married in 1834 to Miss Diantha Gray, who was 
born in Brandon, Vt., in 1813. They had six children, of whom 
William lost his life in the army. 

John H. Dodds was born in Lyons, Wayne County, N. Y., in 
1850, and came to Lapeer with his parents in 1851, remaining at 
home until the death of his father, and has since managed the 
farm. He was married in 1879 to Miss Sarah M. Miller. They have 
one child. 

Alpheus Eood, deceased, was born in Lapeer, Lapeer County, 
May 10, 1839. His father, Aaron Eood, came to Lapeer from 
Vermont in an early day, locating land near Lapeer City to give 
each of his sons a good farm. Alpheus was born on the farm 
where his wddow and family now reside, and after becoming of age 
engaged in farming until his death, June 30, 1875. He was the 
second white child born in the township of Lapeer. Was married 
in December, 1863, to Miss Martha E. Goss, by whom he had six 
children: Frank G., Ward 0., John K., Blanche, who died in 1871, 
Dwight A., and Mary E. Mrs. Eood was born in Greene County, 
N. Y., August 18, 1838, and was the daughter of Nicholas Goss. 
He came to the towaiship of Arcadia in 1837, and located 360 acres 
of land — and in 1848 came with his family to reside permanently. 
Mrs. Eood now resides on the farm where her husband died, on 
section 10. 

William Brooks was born in Canada in 1838, and in 1861 
came to Burnside and purchased a farm, where he resided until 
1870, when he came to Lapeer and bought a farm on section 11, 
where he now resides. He was married in 1866 to Miss Caroline 
Gage, daughter of George Gage, one of the first settlers of Lapeer, 
They have a family of four children. She was born on the farm 
where she now resides. 

C. T. Dean was born in Hamilton, Northumberland County, 
Ontario, in 1849, and came to Pontiae, Mich., in 1861; thence to 
the village of Lapeer in May, 1862. He- resided there until 1865 
when he located in the township on section 4, where he has since 
been engaged in farming, with the exception of one year he was in 
the Lapeer express office, and one year traveling for a Cincinnati 
safe company. He was married in February, 1875, to Miss Delia 
Owen, who was born in New York, and has four children. 

Francis Fowler, deceased, was born in Onondaga County, 
N. Y., October 12, 1805, and came to Lapeer in 1836. He settled 
on section 14, w^here he cleared up a farm, and also worked at the 
stone mason trade. He was married May 12, 1839, to Miss Laura 
Woodard, who was born in New York. Mr. Fowler's death 



occurred September 6, 1871, and Mrs. Fowler's March 9, 1874. 
They left six children. 

F. E. Fowler was born in the township of Lapeer, May 15, 
1842. He worked at the carpenter's trade until the death of his 
father in 1871, since which time he and his brother have worked 
the homestead. He was married in 1874, and has two children. 

A. C. Eussell was born in Huntington, Vt., April 14, 1810. 
Moved to St. Lawrence County with his parents in 1816, where he 
remained until 1871. He then came to Lapeer and purchased a 
farm on section 14, where he now resides. February 25, 1831, he 
was married to Miss Eliza Higley w^ho died November 15, 1873. 
They raised a family of eight children, losing two sons in the late 
war. 

L. J. Eussell ^vas born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in 
1847, remaining there until 1868, when he came to Lapeer, and 
has since been engaged in farming and lumbering. Since 1872 he 
has resided on his farm on section 14. He was married in 1876 to 
Miss Mary Norley, and has three children. 

Francis Euby \vas born in Hume, Allegany County, N. Y., in 
1828, and came to Shelby, Macomb County, Mich., mth his parents, 
in 1835. He remained there until 1868, when he came to Lapeer 
City, where he was the proprietor and owner of a liquor store till 
1877. He then purchased a farm and saw-mill on section 22, 
w^hich he has since ow^ned and conducted. Li 1846 he married 
Miss Elizabeth Casler, and has three children. 

Ira Peck, deceased, was born in Connecticut December 5, 1805, 
and when a child moved to Cortland County with his parents. He 
came to Oakland County, Mich., in 1835, and the following year to 
Lapeer, where he settled on section 11, remaining there several 
years, w^hen he removed to section 24, where he resided until his 
death March 14, 1865. Was killed by being caught in the belt of 
a saw-mill. He was married September 10, 1832, to Miss Sarah 
Ann Simmons, who was born in Steventown, Eensselaer County, 
N. Y., April 17, 1813. They had six children, George S., who 
died May 11, 1856, Miles G., Jerome T., who died May 31, 1849, 
Sarah A., Wilham J., and John S. 

Miles G. Peck was born in Cortland County, N. Y., February 
8, 1835, and came to Lapeer in 1836. He has since been a resident 
of the township, and has a farm on section 24. He was married in 
1862 to Miss Mary Harris, and has four children. 

Charles Harris, deceased, was born in Liverpool, England, in 
1792, and came to Hudson, N. Y., in 1822. He came to Lapeer in 
1841, and settled on section 26, where he remained until his death 
in 1856. Twenty-one years of his life he was captain of a vessel 
on the ocean. In 1832 he married Miss Sophia Gardner, by whom 
he had six children. 

Gardner J. Harris, son of Charles Harris, was born jn Hud- 
son, N. Y., in February, 1839, and came to Lapeer with his parents 
in 1841. He managed the farm after his father's death until his 
own, which occurred February 4, 1882. He was married in 1861 
to Miss Hulda A. Brooks, a native of Canada, by whom he had two 
children, David Brooks, her father, came to Lapeer from Canada 
in 1843, and settled on section 24, residing there until 1860, 
when he went to Missouri, where he remained until his death in 
1872. 

George P. Chapman was born in Canada in 1834, and came to 
Lapeer, September, 1861, remaining a year, when he engaged in 
lumbering near Saginaw. In 1869 he purchased a farm on section 
14, where he now resides. Since coming to the State has been en- 
gaged in lumbering and farming, and now owns a fine farm upon 
which there are excellent buildings. He was married in 1866 to 
Miss Julia E. Higley, and has seven children. 



.4-^- 
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G.P. Chapman , 







Mrs. G.RChapman . 



^ — g't ^, 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY., 



57 



CITY OF LAPEER. 

The history of Lapeer City properly begins with the location o^ 
the county seat in 1830, as already narrated in the opening chapter. 
Two years previous a settlement had been made in the present town 
of Almont, and a few families had made little clearings and were 
contending for a scanty subsiatence by making shingles. 

A chapter of early history is contributed by Miss Nettie A. Corn- 
stock, secretary of the County Pioneer Society, which is given as 
follows : 

Early in the summer of 1831, Messrs. A. N. and 0. B. Hart 
and J. B. Morse came to Michigan with a view of purchasing land, 
and making homes in what was then the far West. Mr. 0. B. 
Hart had his mind made upon Oakland County, Mr. Morse upon 
what was then known as the Grand River country, just opened to 
settlement by the survey of a wagon road from Detroit to Chicago. 
Mr. A. N. Hart was ready to go to the place that seemed to hold out 
the greatest inducements to the settler. Meeting in Utica, N. Y., 
Messrs. A. N. Hart and Morse agreed to a companionship in the 
search for lands, and came to Pontiac, and while here, by the repre- 
sentations of Judge Leroy, they visited the wilderness site of the 
future county of Lapeer. They were charmed with the location, but 
wishing to see more of the country before purchasing, they returned 
and started for the distant Grand River country. The journey was 
most tiresome and they saw nothing in their travels that pleased 
them as well as the place they first visited. So they agreed to 
return to Lapeer, and this time they were accompanied by a Mr. 
Pratt, and Mr. 0. B. Hart. Mr. Hart was as much pleased with 
the location as his brother and Mr. Morse had been, and they at 
once decided to cast their lot here ; Mr. Pratt would look farther. 

On this visit the party encamped under a large elm, and also 
had the misfortune to melt the bottom from their coffee-pot. The 
Harts and Morse, who had decided to return and bring their fami- 
lies with them, very naturally wished to mark the spot. A roguish 
son of Mr. Morse, who had accompanied them on this expedition, 
and in whom Mr. A. N. Hart, who was much younger than his 
companions, and not at all averse to a good joke, found a most con- 
genial companion, proposed tliat they should bury the useless tin at 
the foot of the tree with appropriate ceremonies, and this was 
accordingly done by himself and Mr. A. N. Hart. They raised as 
high a mound about it as they well could that they might know the 
spot when they returned. This tree is still standing on the Hart 
property, carefully guarded as an ancient landmark. 

Messrs. 0. B. Hart and Morse, who had large families, and 
several small children, decided to postpone their removal until 
spring, as it was so late it would be impossible to provide the neces- 
saries of life for them that season. Mr. A. N. Hart, whose family 
consisted of himself, a wife and one child, concluded to remove at 
once. In November, 1831, the family, accompanied by Mr. J. M. 
Palmer, reached Lapeer. Messrs. Hart and Palmer cut the road 
through from the Whittemore Plains, in Oakland County, using for 
that purpose an old-fashioned, two -bitted ax, which was carefully 
preserved by Mr. Palmer as long as he lived. 

This was the era of wild speculation in Western lands. Imag- 
inary cities and towns were platted on paper, often in most impos- 
sible locations, as the middle of lakes and morasses, and literally in 
the howling wilderness, aud these plats were often sold at immense 
figures. But the speculators were obliged to enter into some bona 
fide transactions, in order to keep the ball moving; so every induce- 
ment was held out to emigrants to settle and so open the country. 
Judge Leroy had purchased a portion of the present city of Lapeer, 
hence his efforts to induce immigration. At this time Lapeer, 
though one of the counties laid out and named in 1822, had no 



population whatever save a few isolated families in the township of 
Almont. As might have been expected this bubble soon burst. 

Soon after the return of Mr. A. N. Hart to Utica, N. Y., for 
his family, the Pontiac Mill Co. began to build a saw-mill on 
Farmers Creek, a little above where Muir's flouring-mill stood, and 
put up a boarding shanty for the hands. This rude boardiug-house 
was managed by a Mrs. Potter, who was probably the first white 
woman to visit Lapeer. About the first of November, 1831, Mr. J. 
R. White came to Lapeer and bought an interest in the mill then 
building. This done, he returned to New York for his wife and 
reached Lapeer with her in December, 1831, about a month after 
the arrival of the Harts and Palmer. Some time during the winter. 
Dr. M. Y. Turrill came with his Wife and aged father and mother. 
In March, 1832, Mr. 0. B. Hart arrived— Mr. Morse in May 
following, and about the same time Mr. Alvin McMaster and wife. 
These first families were not long here "alone. In a short time J. 
R.White was followed by his mother, brothers and sisters; Dr. 
Turrill by his sisters, and their families ; and the Roods, who came 
soon after, by a goodly number of their kindred and friends. These 
were all of Puritan, New England stock, and had inherited the 
grim resolution of their forefathers, but brought up in widely sepa- 
rated communities, and of opposite views in politics. Very soon dis- 
agreements arose. Interests clashed, political animosities were 
aroused, and these were carried to such a pitch that the prosperity 
of the new commonwealth was seriously compromised. Some of 
these quarrels were concerning what would be, in this age of the 
world, most trifling matters. Others were of more real consequence, 
as men have always shown more or less a disposition to overreach 
each other. 

Perhaps the first disagreements among the early settlers here 
grew out of cutting and drawing the hay from a large marsh on the 
town line four miles south of the embryo city. This belonged to 
the government and supplied an article of prime necessity to the 
settlers, a coarse article of hay for their teams and cows. Every man 
who had need cut as much hay as he could, and stacked it on the 
marsh to await a hard frost, which would enable him to draw it 
home. When it came, the first man on the ground, not more 
honest perhaps than he should be, took as much hay as he could, 
without regard to the rights of his neighbors, who would very natu- 
rally resent such proceedings. Mr. L. D. Morse relates a circum- 
stance of this kind affecting his father and himself: 

In December, 1833, Alonzo, the oldest son of J. B. Morse, a 
promising young man about nineteen years of age, suddenly died, 
the first death in the settlement. The father was at Detroit work- 
ing at his trade (a carpenter and joiner) when his son sickened and 
died, and he was obliged to return to his work immediately after 
the funeral to win bread for his family. Like their neighbors- they 
had cut hay on the marsh the preceding summer, but by reason of 
the sickness and death of the son and brother, had been unable to 
secure their share of the hay as soon as they should, when a neigh- 
bor, taking advantage of Mr. Morse's absence, on finding that 
Lorenzo, who was now the oldest son and head of the family, the 
father being away, was about to draw off their share of the hay, for- 
bade him to touch it at his peril, claiming it as his own. Young 
Morse felt the situation keenly. Everything now depended upon 
his exertions, and being determined not to see their two cows starve 
before his eyes, he went to J. M. Palmer for aid and advice. Mr. 
Palmer advised him to go at once and draw oft' the hay, and prom- 
ised him all the assistance in his power. Morse and Palmer im- 
mediately started for the fodder, each with an ox team, closely fol- 
lowed by the neighbor, who threatened them with all the terrors of 
the law if they touched as much as a spear of the hay. 

Nothiug daunted by these menaces, on arriving at the marsh 






N 



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58 



HISTOKY OF L^PEEE COUNTY. 



they began the work of loading the hay upon their wagons at once. 
Palmer, who was a stalwart specimen of manhood, holding their 
antagonist completely at bay, and thus they secured the fodder. 
So many combats grew oat of such transactions, that the marsh 
received the name of Squabble Meadow, which it bears to this day. 
Some few years later, about 1839, or 1840, two men named McLel- 
lan and Smith, one very hot day in July, entered into a contest to 
see which could cut the most hay, with terrible and fatal results. 
Smith dying the next day, and McLellan two days after from heat 
and over-exertion. 

Soon after the first settlement of Lapeer, a Congregational 
Church was formed to which the Eev. Messrs. Wells and Euggles, 
pioneer preachers of Oakland County, preached occasionally, Mr. 
Euggles generahy walking to his appointments, of which he had as 
many as any Methodist Episcopal circuit rider of that day. Mr. 
Wells is said to have held the first service in the new town. 

This was followed by the organization of Methodist and Pres- 
byterian Churches, and in time the Presbyterian Church absorbed the 
Congregational. The Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, with 
all the changes of time, have steadily grown with the growth of the 
town. Deacon Aaron Eood, whose praise is still in the church, was 
one of the leading members of the Presbyterian Church, his son, 
Orvis Eood, and others, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. We 
believe the first Methodist quarterly meeting held in Lapeer County 
was called some time in 1835 by Eev. E. H. Pilcher, presiding 
elder. 

There was a wonderful increase of population in those days, 
and county and village were consequently elated. Business houses 
were formed, lumbering began on a large scale for those days. ' Mr. 
J. E. White soon bought the whole of the saw-mih, owned by him- 
self and the Pontiac Mill Co., and Mr. Alvin McMaster built another 
soon after, on the southeast quarter of section 8, Lapeer Township. 
The era of speculation was not yet over, and great railroad lines 
were being surveyed all over the State, and one of these prospective 
lines, the " Northern," was to pass through Lapeer. This was sur- 
veyed in 1837, but six years after Messrs. Hart and Palmer cut that 
fourteen miles of road through an unbroken v/ilderness, and only 
five years after a road had been authorized by the territorial govern- 
ment from Lapeer to Eochester (1832). Wildcat money was 
plenty with a bank of circulation in every hamlet, and every one 
felt rich. It was not long before the collapse of the wildcat banks 
but lumbering still went on , and at one time lumber and shingles 
supplied to some extent the place of money, and became almost as 
much a legal tender in the payment of debts as specie. So lumber 
and shingles became known in the adjoining counties as "Lapeer 
currency." 

Lapeer at that time consisted of two hamlets separated by a 
tamarack swamp, where the wolves were wont to convene of winter 
nights, and make the woods ring with their dismal bowlings. 
Below this swamp was built the first court-house, which was burnt 
before its entire completion, and the jail, A. N. Hart's store, the 
present Watkins building, and on the site of Hart's block, 0. B. 
Hart had put a hotel of a hundred feet front. Next was a small 
store building, and directly on the comer 0. M. Evans, a prominent 
business man of those times, had put up a store, a really beautiful 
wooden building, and finished it ready for plastering. The Evans 
family occupied rooms over the store. In the spring of 1840 Evans 
had gone to New York for goods, his wife accompanying him, leav- 
ing Miss Caroline Wheeler in charge of their rooms, and a little 
girl they had adopted. While matters were in this state, one Sun- 
day morning Miss Wheeler was suddenly awakened from her slum- 
bers by the cry of fire. She sprang from her bed to find the building 
in flames, and arousing the sleeping child she managed with much 



difficulty to get her down the stairs and out of the buildmg. This 
disaster was the financial ruin of Evans, who soon after left Lapeer, 
returned to the East and afterward emigrated to California. The 
cause of the fire was supposed to be a spark from the stove pipe 
catching in a heap of shavings carelessly left in an unoccupied 
loom in too close proximity to the stove pipe; not by any means 
the first or last building consumed by similar carelessness. Tnis 
fire, though by no means the first that had visited the new toAvn, 
was a terrible blow to its prosperity, and from this and the collapse 
of the wildcat banks and land speculation Lapeer did not recover 
for many years. The first mill built by the Pontiac Mill Co., was 
burned in 1833, but another was soon after put up a little below 
the former site, and some little time after this, the double log house 
built by 0. B. Hart had been burnt, and almost everything in it 
had been consumed. 0. B. Hart had kept a hotel almost from his 
first settlement in Lapeer, but after this conflagration he settled 
down to farming in which he was very successful until his death in 
1841. Another prominent man of the early times was Frank 
Fowler, who afterwards removed from the village to a farm about 
five miles southeast where he amassed a large property, and died in 
1871. Above this tamarack swamp, and West and south of it, was 
a store built on the corner near the former site of the Opera House 
Block, by Butts and Shafer, the houses of J. E. andPhineas White, 
Dr. Turrill and others, the mill and the school-house. Indeed, 
while the lower part of the town has always clung to the court- 
house and jail, and dispensed law and justice to the commonwealth, 
the upper tow^n has always held the school-house. 

In the early times here as in all new settlements the school- 
house served also as church and town hall. Some time after the 
great tire, and about the time of the Mormon establishment at 
Nauvoo, a Mormon preacher named VanDusen, disguised as a 
Methodist minister, introduced himself into a series of meetings the 
Methodists were holding in the scbool-house. This wolf in sheep's 
clothing did not dare to throw off his mask until he had wrought 
the minds of his hearers up to such a pitch of excitement that they 
were prepared to accept him as an oracle acting under the direct 
inspiration of the Almighty, and as such, any excesses he might 
commit would not only be tolerated but approved by his deluded 
followers; and to such a pitch did he carry these excesses, that it 
is said it was not unusual for him to alarm everybody with the cry 
of fire late at night, and on being questioned as to the locality, to 
answer, *'In hell for lost sinners." Of course the more sober por- 
tion of the community were intensely disgusted, and the irre- 
pressible mischief-making spirit of Young America fully aroused. 
One evening, some time after the congregation had assembled 
the candles all went out one after another, each with a slight ex- 
plosion, and a suspicious odor of brimstone. The meeting was 
broken up for that night, an investigation had, and the mystery ex- 
plained. During the previous day the house had been entered and a 
part of each candle cut off and the candlestick filled with wet and 
dry powder wrapped in paper to imitate the candles, and a piece of 
candle carefully placed over it so that as soon as the candle had 
burned down to the candlestick an explosion followed. Encouraged 
by this success, the boys contrived to bore a hole in the floor and 
send pjiper wads filled with powder among the congregation by 
means of an infernal machine, rigged under and outside the house , 
and operated from without. On another occasion one of the young 
mischief makers dressed up as an old woman and came to the meet- 
ing, seating himself by the side of Miss Jane Yosburgh. Miss Y., 
not recognizing her companion, began an investigation in which 
she was joined by several other young ladies sitting near. At last, 
becoming w^eary of playing at propriety, he assumed a very mas- 
culine position, and in so doing, displayed a good sized pair of stoga 






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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



69 



boots. This was followed by an attempt on the part of one of the 
young ladies to raise the old lady's veil, when he fled, jumping 
over seats and benches, no doubt, in his hasty retreat to the door, 
presenting a similar appearance to Jeff. Davis in his last ditch. 
Although the rehable portion of the community frowned upon the 
pranks of young America, they were not disposed to favor the ex- 
travagance of Van Dusen and his followers, and when he threw off 
the mask and began to publish the dogmas of Joe Smith, many 
who at first had confided in him withdrew in disgust. Still he 
retained many followers, a few of whom followed him to Nauvoo. 
Van Dusen did not remain with the Mormons long, however; he 
withdrew and published an exposition of the iniquities of Mormon- 
ism which obtained a large circulation. The Mormon Church he 
organized at Lapeer soon fell to pieces, its members becoming 
utterly disgusted with the whole system of imposture. This was, 
we believe, the last appearance of Mormonism in Lapeer. 

In these early times, the Indians were often extremely abusive 
to the wives of the settlers. They seldom came to the houses 
except to trade when the men were at home, but they would come 
in their absence, and terrify the women and children if they could. 
They seemed really afraid of a courageous and resolute woman, 
and reserved their taunts and abuse only for the timid and irreso- 
lute. , 

In 1832 a Methodist preacher named Frazie paid a few visits 
to Lapeer, but his delineations of hell fire were so extremely vivid, 
and his denunciations of that terrible punisliment were so unusual 
and personal that it gave great offense to the young men, and they 
treated him so rudely that he left them. He afterward went to 
Kentucky. 

BIOGRAPHICAL REMINISCENCES. 

Alvin N. Hart was born in Cornwall, Conn., February 11, 
1804. He resided with his parents on the farm until he was fifteen 
years of age. He received his education in the academy of Sharon, 
Connecticut, and at the college in Amherst, Mass., finishing it in 
the latter institution. He was married in Utica, N. Y., July 8, 
1828, to Miss Charlotte F. Ball, daughter of the late Dr. Benjamin 
Ball, of Wendell, Franklin County, Mass. Eesiding at Utica for 
three years, he then removed to the Territory of Michigan. 

Mr. Hart cut his way fourteen miles through the forest to his 
point of destination, locating and beginning his pioneer life where 
the city of Lapeer now stands. He camped under a large elm tree, 
which is still standing, a respected landmark. His son, E. G. 
Hart, has placed upon it a lightning-rod to protect it from further 
destruction by hghtning. He built the first building (a log cabin) 
in that vicinity, and moved into it November 11, 1831, with his 
family, consisting of his wife and child, the present B. E. Hart, of 
Lansing, and Joel M. Palmer, now dead. 

In the spring of 1832 Mr. Hart was appointed sherif of Lapeer 
County, and at the election in the fall of 1835, in , which the con- 
stitution of the new State was submitted and adopted, he. was elected 
a representative to the State legislature. In 1842 he was elected 
supervisor of Lapeer Township, and held the office for the succeed- 
ing seven years. In 1843 Mr. Hart was elected State senator from 
the sixth senatorial district, which then comprised the counties of 
Lapeer, Oakland, Genesee, Shiawassee, Tuscola, Saginaw and the 
Upper Peninsula. In 1846 he was elected the first judge of the 
Lapeer County court for a term of four years, and in 1847 he was 
again elected to the State senate to fill the vacancy occasioned by 
the death of Senator Witherbee, and re-elected in 1848 for the 
regular term. He buried his wife in August, 1850, having pre- 
viously buried three daughters while young, and afterward one son, 
Danforth A. Hart, who died April 21, 1853, at the age of twenty- 
one. His surviving children are B. E.Hart, of Lansing; E. G. 



Hart, of Lapeer; Mrs. Bell Hamilton and Arthur N. Hart, of 
Lansing. In 1856 he was again elected a justice of the peace. In 
1860 he removed to the city of Lansing, and in 1863 was elected 
member of the common council, a position which he held at the 
time of his death. In 1870 he was elected a representative from 
Ingham County to the State legislature, and materially aided in 
securing the appropriation which was made for the erection of the 
new State capitol now almost completed. He was a man of great 
energy, earnest in all his purposes, a clear and careful politician, 
ever holding the pubhc interest as a sacred duty. He always took 
a hvely interest in all matters pertaining to the development and 
growth of his city and' county. His advice and opinions were 
much sought in the councils of both, and he contributed freely and 
generously to every enterprise tending to their prosperity and wel- 
fare. He was one of the projectors of that portion of the Amboy, 
Lansing & Traverse Bay Eailroad, running from Lansing to 
Owosso, and was a director in the Detroit & Bay City Eailroad. 
He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian denomination, 
being one of the founders of the flourishing church of that sect in 
Lapeer, and also of the one in North Lansing. His death occurred 
August 22, 1874. 

From the many tributes to his memory that appeared in the 
public journals at that time, we copy the following from the Detroit 
Free Presn, which says, editorially: 

"The telegraph brought news Saturday of the death of Judge 
Alvin N. Hart, of Lansing, a man well known in almost every 
section of the State. His disease was typhoid pneumonia, and he 
died within one week from the first active symptoms of the disease, 
though he had not been in good health for some time previous, 

" The deceased was seventy years of age, and had resided in 
Lansing for nearly a score of years, coming there from Lapeer, 
where he had long been a resident. He was a pioneer in Lansing, 
and as such' he did much, to hasten the growth of the city. No 
private character could be more blameless than his, and his public 
record gave satisfaction even to those who were his pohtical op- 
ponen-ts. He served two terms in the State senate many years ago, 
and two terms in the house, his last being in 1871. It was through 
his efforts more than any other person that Lansing was furnished 
w^ith railroad communication, and his hberality in making local 
improvements has greatly benefited the capital city. He had been 
a member of the common council almost uninterruptedly since the 
organization of that body, and death could not have taken one who 
will be more missed in Lansing. He was a life-long Democrat, 
holding rigidly to his views without pressing them upon others, 
and he was well known to Michigan pohticians. He leaves .two 
sons and a daughter at Lansing, and another son at Lapeer, and 
an estate worth half a million dollars." 

From a Lapeer correspondent to the Free Press : 

" The funeral of the late Judge A. N. Hart took place at 
Lapeer on Tuesday, and the high estimation in which the deceased 
stood in the community was manifested by the concourse that col- 
lected to see the last of this good man who had done so much for 
the city of Lapeer, where he was the first settler. His remains 
were brought from Lansing. The mayor and common council of 
Lansing and the Odd Fellows accompanied the remains to Lapeer, 
and a special car draped in mourning conveyed them through. 
They were met at Lapeer by the mayor and common council of the 
city, and numerous other friends of the deceased. The stores were 
all closed and draped in mourning. The court-house which the 
judge built, and the strong pillars by which it is supported, were 
entwined in mourners' garb. State Street was crowded to excess 
as the long procession moved to the Presbyterian Church, where 
the service was performed by Eev. Mr. Foster. The singing was 



V 



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60 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



}iL 



most exceedirgly touching, Mrs. Vincent being the organist, Miss 
Hicks, S. N. Vincent, Benjamin Loder and Mr. Philhps the vocal 
part. The lofty tree that overlooks the city, under which the judge 
pitched his tent, received its full share of crape. It was here where 
the bears and wolves howled around him in the wilderness, and he 
had no road to escape until the woodman's ax could make it. The 
judge has now gone to his last home, where he will be rewarded 
for the good he has done on earth." 

At a meeting of the State Pioneer Society, Judge Albert Miller, 
of Bay City, paid the following tribute to the memory of Judge 
Hart: 

'^Although we see before us so many pioneers in the vigor of 
health and usefulness, we must remember that time is fast thinning 
our ranks; the frequent notices we see in the newspapers of our 
State of the death of some early settler of a particular locality is a 
verification of this statement, and the shaft of death has fallen very 
near to us by removing fiom our midst our worthy treasurer, the 
Hon. Alvin N. Hart. 

"And here perhaps I may be indulged in relating a reminiscence 
of early days, referring to the time of my first acquaintance with 
our late treasurer. Mr. Hart settled at the county seat of Lapeer 
in the fall of 1831 ; I had previously settled in that portion of the 
same county which was afterward detached to help form Genesee 
County. Although we were neighbors (living only about thirty 
miles apart), I never met Mr. Hart till the spring of 1834. In the 
meantime I had removed to Saginaw, and the settlement of the 
country had progressed so that the county of Lapeer had been 
organized into a separate township. Thitt portion of territory 
which afterward formed Genesee County had been organized into 
a township named Grand Blanc, and the township of Saginaw had 
been organized, all in Oakland County. The subject of forming a 
State government had been mooted, and in April, 1834, delegates 
were elected to form a State constitution. At that election the 
town of Saginaw cast about twenty votes, and I was appointed by 
the board of inspectors to return the votes to the county seat and 
to be one of the county canvassers. I started on a pony to j)erform 
the journey of seventy miles, over or through a road that had as 
much depth as width. From Flint I was accompanied by Judge 
Snow, who had the same appointment from the town of Grand 
Blanc. 

"The board of canvassers, which met at Pontiac, consisted of 
seven members, who represented ail the organized territory in 
northern Michigan (except the counties of Ma'^tkinac and Chippewa), 
and Alvin N. Hart was chosen chairman. I then formed an 
acquaintance with Mr. Hart which ripened into a friendship, and 
which lasted till time, with him, was no more. It is not necessary 
here to recount the many prominent positions of honor and trust 
which have been accorded to Mr. Hart by the citizens of Michigan, 
or his many acts which have served to develop the resources and 
promote the interests of the State, for the name of Alvin N. Hart 
is as familiar as household words to the pioneers of Michigan, 
especially those of the northern portion of the State. 

"In taking a view of the past at the time when this whole 
region of country was a vast wilderness, inhabited only by wild 
beasts of the forest and the aborigines of the country, with here 
and there a hardy pioneer strugghng to overcome the privations 
incident to a life in the wilderness, and then rapidly glancing to 
the present, seeing the same region rife with life and industry and 
all the appliances that conduce to the prosperity and happiness of 
mankind, it seems as if the whole scene had been transformed by 
magic; but upon taking a more detailed review of the past, I am 
constrained to believe that very much of the prosperity and happi- 
ness of the present is due to the foresight, energy, industry, and 



good example of a class of pioneers of which the late Alvin N. 
Hart was a type." 



EARLY INCIDENTS. 



Noah H. Hart, speaking of early days in Lapeer, says: "The 
happiest days of our lives were our pioneer days in Lapeer. We 
were all patricians and all plebeians. The latch-string of every 
cabin was always out. If one had pork and beans, all had pork 
and beans. All strangers were greeted with a welcome and cordi- 
ality unknown at the present day. To the church or social gather- 
ings we all went in the same vehicle, and it mattered not whether 
drawn by oxen or horses. The fond anticipations of future im- 
provements, prosperity and grandeur overbalanced and made easy 
all hardships and privations. That they were necessarily incident 
to a pioneer life, cannot be told, and can only be understood by act- 
ual experience. I will try to give you one or two samples. 

"The first battle between a pioneer and a pack of wolves was in 
this wise: — The name of the pioneer w^as the Hon. A. N. Hart, the 
names of the wolves I have forgotten. The Judge left Lapeer for 
Pontiac for supplies. Among other things he put on to his load a 
quarter of fresh beef. Having arrived within two and a half miles 
of homo, although it was very dark and the road being only under- 
brushed out, and consequently very winding, he was flattering him- 
self that he would be with his family, enjoying a detcious beef- 
steak, when, to his utter horror, he had the strongest evidences in 
the world that a pack of wolves were after him or his beef. He 
urged his team with whip and yells a short distance, when he 
brought up against a tree. The enemy immediately surrounded 
him and demanded a surrender. Their eyes, like so many fire- 
balls, were anything but agreeable. The Judge comprehended the 
situation at once. He had sagacity enough to know that the wolves 
would prefer the beef to himself, but the beef he determined he never 
would suriender, for in those days beef was more precious than 
gold. The Judge resolved to throw overboard flour, feed, in short, 
the whole load except the beef, and make one terrible effort to ex- 
tricate himself from the tree. Having discharged the load except 
the beef, with a crack of the whip, a yell and a haw, he broke loose 
and came through triumphantly. The wolves were so astonished 
and taken by surprise by the performance that they retired from the 
field in disgust. The Judge said to me, very confidentially, a few 
days after, 'If you ever undertake to bring fresh beef from Pontiac, 
make your arrangements so as to come through by daylight.' 

"The necessary expenses in obtaining everything, even the nec- 
essaries of life, were tenfold greater than dreamed of by the pioneer 
when he left his Eastern home. For instance, I left Lapeer early 
one Monday morning with two pair of oxen and fifteen bushels of 
grain in my wagon to go to mill. I had my choice between Pon- 
tiac, Auburn and Bochester, where grinding could be done. I ar- 
rived at Pontiac about sundown the second day out, and was in- 
formed that my turn would come in about a week. I then pro- 
ceeded to Auburn and was informed that they might possibly reach 
my case in about four days. I then made for Bochester, and, on 
arriving there, received the gratifying intelligence that my grist 
should be ground within twenty-four hours, provided there was no 
break- down. I arrived home Saturday night and was rejoiced to 
learn that the family had not starved during my absence. 

"Joel M. Palmer, at a very early day, put on a freight line be- 
tween here and Detroit. His charges were very reasonable — only 
one dollar per 100 pounds, and a small commission for time and 
trouble in filhng your order. My father sent by him for a barrel of 
one-hog pork. I say one-hog pork, for you must recollect that we 
could not afford, in those days, so great a luxury as mess pork. 
The pork was duly delivered and the bill accompanying the same 
read as follows: 



*^i= 



J) ly 



.hL. 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



61 



" *0. B. HART, Dr. to one barrel one-hog pork, |32.00."' 

On opening the barrel we discovered two heads, two tails, etc. 
My father very dryly remarked that he could plainly see why it cost 
so much ; it was two-hog pork. . 

"Politics became an element of interest and excitement at an 
early day. And as another evidence of the great hardships of a 
pioneer Hfe, permit me to inform you that the county of Lapeer was 
originally attached to Pontiac for judicial and representative pur- 
poses. For instance, soon after the county seat was estabUshed, it 
became necessary that a route should be selected and the trees 
blazed for a road from Pontiac here, and our worthy and venerable 
citizen, Isaac I. Voorheis, was one of the commissioners who per- 
formed that task. 

"The first election I have any recollection of, was a township 
election held at Pontiac. Col. J. R. White, having been appointed 
justice of the peace by the territorial government, very naturally 
wanted a constable in order to make the office a paying institution. 
He went to Pontiac and secured the nomination of Asahel Hubbard, 
then a resident here, as one of the constables. I had friends there 
who, unbeknown to me, put my name upon their ticket and the re- 
sult was I was elected. The Colonel did not exactly like this, so he 
hastened to Lapeer and immediately called on my mother to ascer- 
tain how old I was. She frankly told him I was not yet twenty-one 
years of age. Oq being notified of my election I called on the Col- 
onel to qualify. He politely informed me that he could not do it; 
that I was ineligible to the office. Not willing to see the will of the 
people defeated, I mounted my pony and went to Pontiac to qualify. 
Judge LeRoy signed my bond, Gideon 0. Williams. Esq., adminis- 
tered the oath of office and instructed me to go and file my papers 
with James A. Weeks, township clerk. I presented my papers to 
Mr. Weeks and asked him to approve and file them. He said he 
did not know whether he would or not ; that he had received a letter 
from Col. White, of Lapeer; that I was a minor and not eligible to the 
office, and asked me how old I was. I told him to ask my constit- 
uents, and again asked him if he could file my papers. He replied : 
*I suppose I will have to.' I discharged the duties of the office dur- 
ing the ensuing year, over a district of country including Oakland, 
Lapeer, Genesee and Shiawassee Counties and the Saginaw Valley. 

The pioneers to this place brought with them their religious 
principles. They were not unmindful of their obligations to God, 
in whom they put their trust and relied for life, health and prosper- 
ity. Ihe first religious services within my recollection took pla.ce in 
the open air near where the Abram House now stands. The church 
edifice was a pine tree. The congregation was seated on the fallen 
trees and a sermon was read by grandfather Turrill. The singing 
was conducted by Minor Y. Turrill and wife and Hon. A. N. Hart. 
The first sermon preached in Lapeer by a minister of the gospel, was 
by the Rev. Wells, of Troy, Oakland County, The singing the 
same as above mentioned with the addition of Asahel W. Abbott. 
A long metre hymn was given out, and they sang that good old fa- 
vorite tune called Wells. The second hymn was long metre too, 
and the minister remarked, *I do not think we can do any better 
than to try Wells again.' " 

RIVAL VILLAGES. 

It is not frequent that a county is so fortunate as to have two 
court-houses built for it by private individuals, but such was the 
case in Lapeer, the circumstances of which have already been told. 
This contest did not concern the county at large so much as the 
interests of two rival village sites. The White interests centered in 
the southwest quarter of section 5, and here they platted a village 
and called it Whitesville. The Hart interest was in the northeast 
quarter of the same section. The contest between the two interests 
was most determined and more or less bitter. That it should be 



determined was legitimate, and it was only natural that such a 
spirit of determination should become flavored with bitterness. It 
nowhere appears that the material interests of the public suffered 
by reason of this rivalry; on the contrary, a court-house was pro- 
vided by one party and a school building by the other, and so far 
the public derived material benefits. The final location of a court- 
house, however, decided the fates of the two aspirants to village 
honors, and Whitesville as an independent village ceased to be. 

The village of Lapeer was platted in March, 1836, acknowledg- 
ment being made by Simeon B. Brown, Alvin N. Hart, John 
Shafer, Mason Butts and Jonathan R. White, platting of their sub- 
division of west half and northeast quarter of section 5, town 7 
north, of range 10 east, except so much as had been subdivided as 
appeared by the plats of the villages of Lapeer and Whitesville so 
called on record at the office of the register of Oakland County, 
On the 14:th of March, 1836, an acknowledgement was made by 
Phineas White and Louisa D. White of the platting of their sub- 
division of the same tract, with the same exception as in the afore- 
mentioned plat. Since that time eight different additions have 
been made. 

PIONEEK WOMEN. 

Miss Nettie A. Comstock writes of pioneer women as follows : 
"If the pioneer fathers exhibited the stern resolution and 
dogged perseverance of their sons in clearing up these fertile lands 
and laying the foundations broad and deep that underlie our free 
institutions, no less praise is due to those faithful wives who so 
nobly supported them in the trials of their lot. These women were 
ladies in every sense of the word, some of them had been tenderly 
reared, and were totally unused to any hardships, all were well 
educated and had left comfortable homes and all the advantages of 
good society, yet they accompanied their husbands here, exchang- 
ing luxury and comfort for the want of all things ; they toiled and 
cared for their household as best they could; how well they ac- 
complished their task let the present generation declare. When 
their husbands were weary and desponding, forgetting their own 
hardships, they encouraged them to persevere in hope of better 
days. Had they yielded to discouragements as many have done, 
think you that the labors of their husbands would have been 
crowned with success? We know they would not, and this fact is 
so well understood at present, that whatever a man's faults may 
be, if he is unsuccessful in business and has a wife, the blame is 
invariably laid at her door; but, on the other hand, if a man is 
successful in business the wife seldom receives any credit for her 
labors. So we seldom hear anything of these* pioneer ladies, and 
many of them are forgotten save in their own family circle. To 
show that the pioneer mothers were women of more than common 
stamp, we have taken pains to obtain slight sketches of some of 
these ladies, of whom, though their husbands have often been 
mentioned here, few of us have even heard the names. 

"Mrs. Charlotte Hart, wife of A. N. Hart, was the daughter of 
Dr. B. F. Ball, of Litchfield, Conn. On her marriage she removed 
with her husband to Utica, N. Y., and three years later she ac- 
companied her husband with her babe to the wilds of Michigan. 
The last fourteen miles of the journey to their new home was 
through a pathless wilderness, and Messrs. Hart and Palmer were 
obhged to cut their own road. It was a toilsome route, and the 
men, weary with their long journey, were well nigh discouraged ; 
but weary as she was, and though tenderly reared and totally un- 
used to labor or hardships, she was equal to the occasion, and as 
the spirits of her companions sunk she urged them to persevere, 
and seated in the wagon holding her babe she would drive until 
obhged to stop for a passage to be cut for the team, and by skillful 
repartee she cheered them in their difficult task, nor did she suc- 






-^ g 



rr 



^^ 



[H. 



62 



HISTOEY OF LAPEBE COUNTY. 



cumb when on nearing their new home the wagon stuck fast in the 
muddy bank of the river and it was found -necessary to abandon 
the wagon as night had come and go on foot to the log cabin in 
the wilderness, nothing but a shelter, having no doors or windows, 
scarcely a protection from storms or the beasts of the forest. This 
was the spirit of the true pioneer woman, and this cheerful Christian 
courage a characteristic trait of Mrs. Hart. 

"Mrs. Louisa Dexter White, wife of J. E. White, was a woman 
remarkable for courage and resolution. Her fcither was a ship 
builder of Boston, a nephew of Hon. Samuel Dexter, secretary of 
war under the administration of John Adams. By the death of 
her mother the family w^as broken up, and Louisa and a younger 
sister, Emeline, were adopted by a relative and removed to New 
York City, where they were brought up. Here Louisa married Mr. 
White, and her sister married a Mr. Cromar, a wealthy planter 
residing near Charleston, S. C, and removed there with him. He 
died soon after and about the time of the slave insurrection of 
1831. Mrs. Cromar Avas unable to leave until this was over, and 
when she finally reached her friends in New York her mind was so 
terribly shattered by the scenes she had passed through that it was 
found necessary to send her to an insane asylum for treatment. 
During her stay there Mrs. White emigrated with her husband to 
Lapeer, where she and Mrs. Charlotte Hart were for some time 
alone as regarded the society of their own sex. This was about the 
time of the Black Hawk war, and the Lidians were quite insolent, 
especially to the women, w^io were generally afraid of them. This 
was not so wdth Mrs. White, who was so resolute in her refusals to 
their demands that they regarded her wdth a respect not unmixed 
with fear. This was before the days of the temperance reform, and 
the settlers thought it not wrong to sell the Indians the whisky 
they craved. Mrs. White had more than one combat with drunken 
Indians in which she invariably came off victorious. One day a 
drunken Indian came in and declared his intention of taking up his 
quarters among them, and liad alarmed all the other ladies of the 
family by his demonstrations, when Mrs. White drew^ a hot frying 
pan from the fire and laid it about him with such vigor that he was 
glad to retreat; after this the Indians did not annoy Mrs. White or 
her family. Some time after Mrs. White's removal to Michigan 
she returned to New York and brought back with her her sister, 
Mrs. Cromar, who had in the meantime recovered her reason. In 
1836 Mrs. Cromar married Morris Perry, a blacksmith, who worked 
at his trade while in Lapeer and then took up land in Elba, where 
he resided until his death in 1844. After this she returned to her 
friends in Lapeer, and in 1849 married a Mr. Parker; two years 
later she and her husband went to California. In those days this 
w^as a long and hazardous journey, and one which few w^omen 
dare attempt. Here they resided for some years when they re- 
turned to Lapeer, After a time Mr. Parker visited California 
again, leaving his wife this time with Lapeer friends. He never 
returned home, dying a short time after his arrival there. His 
wife remained wdth her friends in Lapeer until her death about a 
year since Her life was a most eventful one, and one of great 
changes, from New York City to a Southern plantation, then a log 
cabin in the wilderness, a long journey to California^ a return to 
her friends, then a long period of suJBfering, and the 'weary heart 
at last grew still.' Mrs. White was remarkable for her courage in 
opposing all she deemed wrong and her hearty support for the 
right; she was a fast friend and a true Christian, and few were more 
heartily respected in life or more sincerely mourned in death than 
she. 

''Of Mrs. Alantha Turrill we could learn Httle; she was a true 
daughter of New England, but had been delicately reared and 
possessed none of the cheerful courage of Mrs. Hart or the stern 



resolution of Mrs. White ; but she must have loved her early home, 
for although she and her husband had long since left Lapeer and 
formed in a new home associations more congenial to her taste, yet 
when death drew near their last request w'as to be laid near their 
father and mother at their early home. 

"Mrs. Amanda Hart, wife of O. B. Hart, was one of those 
good motherly women revered by every one; she reared h large 
family, as was the style in those days, and was a faithful helpmeet 
to her husband; she always had a cheerful welcome for every one, 
but her world was in her husband and her home. During the 
sickly season of 1844 herself and her husband fell victims to the 
terrible malarious fever then prevalent. They sickened about the 
same time and fears were entertained for the result, and she only 
expressed the wish that if her husband must die to go with him. 
On his decease the family, half frantic with grief and anxiety, 
endeavored to conceal his death from her, but she seemed to under- 
stand what had occurred by intuition, and she sank away and died, 
and was buried in the same grave with her husband. 

"Mrs. Betsey Look Morse was a native of Sangerfield, N. Y., 
a woman of intelligence and refinement, a most affectionate mother 
and an earnest Christian, and, though very quiet in her demeanor, 
was fully as resolute and courageous as the more demonstrative Mrs. 
Louisa White. The Indians feared her as they did Mrs. White, and 
for the same reason. One day a drunken Indian entered her house 
in the absence of her husband, and, as usual, w^as very abusive; Mrs. 
Morse quietly put the poker into the old-fashioned fireplace, and 
when w^ell heated, drew it from the embers and drove the savage 
out of doors. After this she was known among them as a 'bad 
squaw,' and consequently respected. 

"Mrs. White, mother of J. R., Phineas, E. J. and H. K. White, 
was one of those good Christian women whom 'none name but to 
praise.' A widow, she came in her old age to seek a home for her 
children and a grave for herself in the wilderness. 

"These are but a few of the many noble w^omen who left all 
behind to follow their husbands to a new home in the wilderness. 
We have specially mentioned these because they were the first here, 
but they were only types of the women of the early times who were 
the founders of our society, the mothers who made those homes 
and trained their children to habits of industry and thrift. Did 
not these women leave a far deeper impression upon the present 
generation than their more worldly husbands? Then all honor to 
the pioneer women of Lapeer County; but few of them remain with 
us, soon all will have passed over the river 

" 'To a land unclouded. 
Where they need no candle or sunbeam. 
For our God is its changeless light; 
To a land celestial — 
Where all former things have departed — 
The sorrow, the pain and the tears. 
Where no shadow shall bewilder. 
Where life's vain parade is o'er; 
Where the ship of sin is broken. 
And the dreamer dreams no more; 
Where the love that here we lavish 
On the withering leaves of time, 
Shall have fadeless fiow^ers to fix on, 
In an ever bright spring clime. 
There they all shall meet and rest 
'Mid the holy and the blest.' " 

LAPEEE POSTOFFICE. 

About the year 1833, a postofiice was estabhshed at Lapeer 
and Dr. Minor Turrill was postmaster. He was succeeded by 0. 
B. Hart. Other early postmasters were Silas D. McKeen, Col. J. 
R. White, Noah H. Hart, Henry Wheelock, N. B. Eldredge, R. G. 
Hart, U. D. Bristol. The early postofi^e was a portable affair, 









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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



63 



and frequently inhabited the hat or coat pockets of the postmaster. 
The postal system was as primitive as the surroundings of its 
patrons; mail-carriers traveled on foot and postmasters would have 
found it difficult to tell at the end of the year whether their office 
had been a source of income or expense. 

In 1861, Shad. N. Vincent received the appointment of post- 
master and held the office until 1883, when he was succeeded by John 
Abbott, the present incumbent. Mr. Abbott, upon taking the office, 
proceeded to equip it with all the modern conveniences that are 
now in use, and the people of Lapeer have thus been provided with 
greatly improved facilities for receiving their mail. 

John Abbott was born in 1833, in Beauharnois County, C. E. 
Came to Lapeer in 1856, and engaged in farming and lumbering. 
In 1868 he was elected register of deeds, and re-elected in 1870; 
held the office until January 1, 1873. During fche time he was reg- 
ister he made a complete abstract of the county records, and since 
then has been engaged in the abstract and real estate business, also 
continuing farming. Was appointed postmaster of Lapeer Febru- 
ary 27, 1883. Married in 1862 to Alice Connell, of Utica, Mich. 
They have seven children living — five daughters and two sons. 

A MIRKOR OF THE PAST. 

A copy of the Plain Dealer and Lapeer County Democrat has 
survived the ravages of time and is an excellent mirror of the days 
of 1842. It is dated September 1, 1842, is a five-column folio, yel- 
low with age and ancient in its general appearance. It was pub- 
lished by J. R. Bennett, at $2.00 a year; office, corner Pine and 
Park streets, and edited by A. Merry weather. There is a good dis- 
play of advertisers, as follows: 0. M. Evans, A. Merryweather, 
merchants; Robert Green, justice of the peace, two miles south of 
Lapeer village; Enoch J. White, justice of the peace. Eagle Tavern; 
J. S. Comstock, physician and surgeon. Farmer's Creek; Horace 
Hinman, county treasurer, office in the court-house; John Shafer, 
sherifli; J. Simmons, Chester E. Hatch, master builders ; P. White, 
keeper of the Eagle Tavern; E. Taylor, R. Gates, tanners and cur- 
riers, boot and shoe makers; Henry Haskin, chair maker, section 
15, Metamora; Moses Misner, attorney and counsellor at lav.^, office 
in the court-house; Samuel Tomlinson, coach, wagon and sleigh- 
maker, office on Saginaw Street; **Our House," by E. M. Taylor; 
Bartow & Thompson, attorneys and counsellors at law and solici- 
tors in chancery, Flint River, Saginaw Street; Caleb Carpenter, 
physician and surgeon, residence half a mile south of the village of 
Newbury, Bristol, Lapeer County; John W. White, blacksmith, 
Saginaw Street; S. t>, McKeen, land agent, attorney and counsellor 
at law, master in chancery, register of deeds and justice of the peace, 
corner Nepessing and Cedar Streets; Noah N. Hart, attorney at law, 
justice of the peace and county clerk, office 67 Nepessing Street; 
F. and C. H. Buel, Detroit, hats and caps, furs, &c. ; G. Bennett, 
tailoring; the American Hotel, Detroit, J. W. Van Ander, proprie- 
tor; Orion House, Richard Brownson, proprietor; Hodges House, 
Pontiac, S. Hodges, proprietor; A Merryweather advertised a stock 
of shirts, bosoms, collars and money purses, the product of the 
**Female Benevolent Society," who would take in to make to order, 
articles of clothing as cheap as possible, and required all friends of 
benevolence to call and furnish work. This advertisement signed 
E. Hemingway, secretary. 0. M. Evans will pay taxes in any part 
of the State; Henry Laure offers one cent reward for Christopher 
Houghton, aged 15, who ran away from him. 

The southern mail was advertised to leave Royal Oak every 
Monday and Thursday at 12 o'clock m., arriving in Lapeer next 
(Jay by 12 m. Leave Lapeer every Thursday and Friday at 1 p. 
m., arrive at Royal Oak next day by 11 a. m. Eastern mail, via 
Bristol and Romeo to Mt. Clemens, arrive Wednesday at 6 p. m., 
leave Thursday at 6 a. m. Western mail direct to Flint leave Fri- 



day at 6 p. m., arrive Saturday, at 6, p. m. J. R. White, post- 
master. 

We find that Mr. John Sawtell was married to Mrs. Jemima 
Johnson, at Nauvoo, August 24, and that on the 6th ult., E. J. 
White, Esq., married' Calvin Stiles to Miss Mima^Farns worth. 

Isaac Goodale died August 23, after a short but severe illness, 
aged 62 years, formerly of Northampton, Mass. 

In the news columns we find that Mr. Tyler was president and 
"that Mr. John Q. Adams in the house of representatives, with the 
violent temper that characterizes the man," had "declared war" on 
the President because he "would not meanly submit to the Clay 
dictation, and sign an important bill, which is not mentioned by 
title," the paper further states that the "ultra Whigs seriously con- 
templated expelling Mr. Adams from the House for having presented 
a petition to dissolve the Union. It was a monstrous outrage, 
and would, beyond doubt, have led to his expulsion, but for consid- 
eration of his advanced period of life and the high station he form- 
erly held." 

Speaking of the August election, the result is summarized: In 
North Carolina the Whigs have re-elected Gov. Morehead by a di- 
minished majority; both branches of the legislature are Democratic 
— last year Whig — and a U. S. senator is to be chosen in place of 
Wm. Graham, Whig. In Indiana both branches of the legislature 
are Democratic by increased majorities. In Kentucky both branches 
of the legislature are Whig as usual, but the newly elected members 
are relief men, and Mr. Clay is opposed to that measure. A United 
States senator is to be chosen in the place of Mr. Crittenden, Whig. 
In Indiana probably Democratic majority on joint ballot. Senator 
to be elected in place of Mr. Smith, Whig. In Illinois, Ford, Dem- 
ocratic governor; both branches legislature Democratic. Senator 
to be elected in place of Young, Democratic. In Missouri we have 
elected the five members of Congress; a senator is to be elected in 
place of Linn, Democratic. 

In Rhode Island it is stated that nearly 1,000 suffrage men been 
been obliged to leave to save themselves from arrest for no offense 
save that they voted for the constitution. 

The expenditures of the government for the first half of 1842 
were $16,813,613, which is within |6,000,000 of the whole of last 
year's expenditures, and the people find that they have gained nothing 
by giving power to the Federal Whigs. 

But where are the men of the nation or the men of Lapeer 
who controlled events forty years ago? A very few of the former are 
living, and of the latter '*old pioneers" we see now and then one 
on whom the flood of years has left the furrows of time, and the 
activities of life have relegated to decrepitude and obscurity. But 
most of them have gone forward to the other side and their memo- 
ries linger only with a few survivors of their generation. Oh, glori- 
ous time ! it buries us all in oblivion in a brief space, and our weak- 
nesses are forgotten with our good deeds. 

Forty years from now and the pomp and vanities, the work and 
toil, the loves and hates of this day will be forgotten like a story that 
is told. 

LAPEER NEWSPAPERS. 

A local newspaper is one of the first enterprises to be established 
in a new community, and in 1839 the leading men of Lapeer ar- 
rived at the conclusion that a local journal was necessary to the in- 
terests of the county seat. Messrs. A. N. Hart and others joined 
and purchased printing material, and the Plain Dealer was started 
as a Democratic paper with E. H. Thompson, now of Flint, as editor. 

Soon afterward the Whigs thought their political interests re- 
quired a champion, and the Sentinel was started with W. H. Will- 
iams as editor. 



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64 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



The editors of these rival organs carried on a brisk warfare, 
often emphasizing their utterances with ludicrous caricatures. 
Journahsm in those days was not less precarious as a financial 
undertaking than at a more recent date. Mr. Thompson was suc- 
ceeded by J. B. Bennett, who conducted the paper for some time, 
and Mr. WiUiams was succeeded in the -Sentinel by K. W. Jenny. 
Some more lively authority than tradition is necessary to trace out 
the checkered career of Lapeer journahsm during its first thirty 
years. There was the Tocmi with "Bill" Eyan as its editor; the 
Democrat, founded by Murvin Tinny, who died at East Saginaw. 
H. E. Purdy was at one time editor of the Plain Dealer. Now and 
then a solitary number of the early papers, tattered and yellow, 
tumbles from the dust of some pigeon hole, and speaks of other 
days, but there are no consecutive files in existence. 

THE LAPEER CLARION. 

In 1856 a number of the leading Eepubhcans of Lapeer united 
in the purchase of material for the purpose of establishing a Repub- 
lican newspaper upon a sound business basis. The first number of 
the. Lapeer lU'imblican, with the late Colonel J. R. White as editor, 
was issued in January, 1856. Colonel White continued the editorial 
management of the paper about a year, when the office was sold to 
George S. Fletcher, of Detroit. Mr. Fletcher conducted the paper 
about four years, and during that time the nam.e was changed to 
the CJariou, under which name it is still published. At the break- 
ing out of the war Mr. Fletcher sold the office to Samuel J. Tom- 
linson, and went into the army. Mr. Tomhnson is a son of Samuel 
C. Tomlinson, one of the pioneers of Lapeer, and learned the 
printers' trade of Mr. Fletcher. He was a young man but pos- 
sessed of great energy and good business ability. He enlarged and 
improved the paper, and has succeeded in doing what few newspaper 
pubhshers can boast of, that of making a handsome fortune from 
the printing business. About 1874 he erected a brick building 
expressly arranged to suit the convenience of a printing business. 
The Clarion is now a six column quarto, and one of the most pros- 
perous weekly newspapers in the State. 

THE LAPEER DEMOCRAT. 

In 1872 this paper was started by J. B. Graham, now of 
Pitkin, Col., as a Democratic newspaper. He afterward sold it to 
L. J. Haddrill, G. C. Wattles and M. N. Stickney, who formed a 
stock company and published the paper with Calvin Thomas, now 
a professor in the Michigan University, as editor. They afterward 
sold the office to L. D. Sayle, now of Detroit, and after conducting 
it for a time he sold to George H. Pond, now of the Caro Advertiser. 
The office changed hands several times, and was finally bought by 
Kudner & Phelps. Mr. Phelps soon after retired, andH. C. Kudner 
became sole proprietor. Mr. Kudner has brought the Democrat up 
to a paying basis, and is making it a model newspaper and a finan- 
cial success. 



INCORPORATION. 

Lapeer was incorporated as a village by order of the board of 
supervisors, in 1857. Notice of apphcation was signed and pub- 
lished as follows : 

We, the undersigned, legal voters of the township of Lapeer, do 
hereby give notice that we will apply to the board of supervisors for 
the county of Lapeer, on the 12th day of October next, for an order 
to incorporate as a village, the whole of section 5, in township 7, 
north of range 10 east, in the county of Lapeer, and State of 
Michigan, under an act to provide for the incorporation of villages, 
approved February 17, 1857. 

William H. Cockett, Wesley Vincent, John W. Smith, W. H. 



Jennings, H. H. Riley, N. B. Eldredge, George C. Bidwell, Alex- 
ander McLennan, A. V. West, M. B. Smith, Orin Brown, Melvin 
Brewer, Robert King, Charles M. Walker, W. I. Wilson, F. S. 
Taylor, Harry Griswold, A. S. Hatch, George H. Swift, J. R. White, 
S. Tomlinson, R. G. Jennings, John M. Wattles, C. M. Davis, 
Isaac Broughton, R. Clark, Charles Rich, H. D. Tomer, C. S. Hicks, 
George H. Henderson, George B. Gregory, Lyman Jarvis, J. M. 
Taylor, Jr., H. Loorais. 

Lapeer, September 15, 1857. 

The officers first elected were for the year 1858. The village 
officers were as f oUows for the several years : 

VILLAGE OFFICERS. 

1858— President, N. Buel Eldredge; clerk, Wesley Vincent; 
treasurer, Charles M. Davis; assessors, John Sands and Hubbel 
Loomis; trustees, George C. Bidwell, Charles Rich, Ward H. Jen- 
nings, John M. Wattles, Miron B. Smith and Noah H. Hart. 

1859 — President, James Turrill; treasurer, Charles M. Davis; 
assessors, Hubbel Loomis and Alonzo S. Hatch; trustees, Miron B. 
Smith, Charles Rich, John W. Bancroft, N. B. Eldredge, Lester E. 
Waterbury, George C. Bidwell. 

I860-— President, Jonathan R. White; clerk, George C. Bid- 
well; treasurer, Charles M. Davis; assessor, Henry Wheelock; 
trustees, James Turrill, Harry Griswold, John W. Bancroft, Noah 
H. Hart, Curtis T. Dodge, John M. Wattles. 

1861 — President, Noah H. Hart; treasurer, Charles M. Davis; 
assessor, Charles Rich; trustees, Jonathan R. White, Ward H. Jen- 
nings, Alonzo S. Hatch, William Hemingway, Stephen S. Hicks, 
John W. Bancroft. 

1862 — President, Ward H. Jennings; clerk, George C. Bid- 
well; treasurer, Charley M. Davis; assessor, George C. Bidwell; 
trustees, Ehas R. Emmons, Wilham Hemingway, Rodney G. Hart, 
Stephen S. Hicks, Silas B. Gaskell, John W. Bancroft. 

1863 — President, Ward H. Jennings; treasurer, Charles M. 
Davis; assessor, Alonzo S. Hatch; trustees, Elias R. Emmons, 
John W. Bancroft, James Turrill, Stephen S. Hicks, Silas B. Gas- 
kell, William Hemingway. 

1864 — President, Charles Rich; clerk, Geo. C. Bidwell; treas- 
urer, Charles M. Davis; assessor, Geo. B. Gregory; trustees, Silas 
B. Gaskell, Ward H. Jennings, James Turrill, Peter Van Dyke, 
John M. Wattles, Henry L. Horton. 

1865 — President, John M. Wattles; treasurer, Charles M. 
Davis; assessor, Alonzo S. Hatch; trustees, Shadrach N. Yincent 
Jonathan H. Hicks, James Turrill, Hubbel Loomis, Peter Van Dyke, 
Ward H. Jennings. 

1866 — President, Myron C. Kenney; clerk, Ulysses D. Bristol; 
treasurer, Charles M. Davis; assessor, Stephen M. Hicks; trustees, 
Robert King, William Hemingway, Columbus Tuttle, Alonzo S. 
Hatch, Peter Van Dyke, Charles M. Hemingway. 

1867 — President, Myron C. Kenney, treasurer, Charles M. 
Davis; assessor, Miron B. Smith; trustees, Charles M. Hemingway, 
Robert King, Shadrach N. Vincent, Wilham J. Loder, Harmon D. 
Pike, Stephen V. Thomas. 

1868 — President, Myron C. Kenney; clerk, Thomas H. Collins; 
treasurer, Charles M. Davis; assessor, William Hemingway; 
trustees, Charles M. Hemingway, Stephen V. Thomas, Alonzo S. 
Hatch, Oliver Nichols, Robert King, Stephen S. Hicks. 

1869— President, Oliver Nichols; treasurer, Jonathan H. Hicks 
assessor, Rodney G. Hart; trustees. Ward H. Jennings, William W. 
Barber, Stephen V. Thomas, Alexander McLennan, Derastus 
Holmes, Robert King. 

Lapeer was incorporated as a city in 1869, and the officers have 
been as follows: 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



65 



CITY OFFICERS. 

1869 — Mayor, James Turrill; clerk, Samuel J. Tomlinson; 
aldermen, Eodney G. Hart, Charles M. Hemingway, H. L. White, 
Silas Wright, Columbus Tuttle, Lester E. Waterbury, Myron C. 
Kenney, Geo. B. Adams. 

1870 — Mayor, Jasper Bentley ; clerk, Samuel J. Tomlinson; 
aldermen, John W. DuBois, Maynard Butts, Joel D. Kenney, 
William J. Loder. 

1871 — Mayor, Eodney G. Hart, clerk, Samuel J. Tomlinson; 
treasurer, Oliver Nichols; aldermen, George W. Eood, Lester E. 
Waterbury, Maynard Butts, Allan A. Sage, Joel D. Kenney, M. B. 
Smith, William J. Loder, Benjamin B. Eedfield. 

1872 — Mayor, Myron C. Kenney; clerk, Samuel J. Tomlinson; 
treasurer, Curtis T. Dodge; aldermen, John M. Wattles, George B. 
Gregory, M. B. Smith, Eodney G. Hart. 

1873 — Mayor, Myron C. Kenney; clerk, Samuel J. Tomlinson; 
treasurer, Curtis T. Dodge; aldermen, Lorenzo J. Haddrill, May- 
nard Butts, Joel D. Kenney, Alex. Mair, Harmon D. Pike. 

1874 — Mayor, Joseph B. Moore; clerk, Samuel J. Tomlinson; 
treasurer, Curtis T. Dodge; aldermen, Oliver H. Wattles, George 
B. Gregory, Henry K. White, John P. Eoberts. 

1875 — Mayor, Charles M. Hemingway; clerk, J. Eollin John- 
son; treasurer, Curtis T. Dodge; aldermen, Lorenzo J. Haddrill, 
Maynard Butts, Joel D. Kenney, Ward H. Jennings. 

1876 — Mayor, William A. Jackson, Jr.; clerk, J. Eollin John- 
son; treasurer, Curtis T. Dodge; aldermen, Oliver H. Wattles, 
George B. Gregory, Henry K. White, William W. Varnum. 

1877 — Mayor, Chester G. White; clerk, Stuart Gorton; treas- 
urer, Francis E. Cutting; aldermen, William H. Stickney, J. Eollin 
Johnson, George E. Turrill, William F. Daley. 

1878 — Mayor, Chester G. White; clerk, Stuart Gorton; treas- 
urer, Francis E. Cutting; aldermen, 0. H. Wattles, L. H. Tucker, 
S. T. Vincent, William A. Varnum. 

1879 — Mayor, Alexander McLennan; clerk, George W. Stone; 
treasurer, Harmon D. Pike; aldermen, J. K. Walters, Francis Mc- 
Elroy, James H. Vincent, Silas Wright. 

1880 — Mayor, William J. Loder; clerk, Norman H. Farr; 
treasurer, George B. Adams; aldermen, Lorenzo J. Haddrill, Lewis 
H. Tucker, B. A. Tuttle, WiUiam N. Varnum. 

1881 — Mayor, John Heavner; clerk, William E. Johnson; 
treasurer, Fred. D. Johnson; aldermen, 0. H. Wattles, Columbus 
Tuttle, Sampson E. Wilcox, Theodore B. Odle. 

1882 — Mayor, William J. Loder; clerk, William E. Johnso^; 
treasurer, Fred. D. Johnson; aldermen, Lorenzo J. Haddrill, 
George B. Gregory, Jonathan Houghton, William N. Varnum. 

1883 — jyiayor, L. W. Hinman; clerk, J. H. Palmer; treasurer, 
George B. Adams; aldermen, Eodney G. Hart, Andrew M. Thomp- 
son to fill vacancy, Charles Lombard, B. A. Tuttle, James A. Hun- 
gerford. 



EETEOSPECTIVE. 

A local writer, speaking of the early years of Lapeer, says : 
"In early years Lapeer made but slow progress in the way of 
improvement. It is true each year added its quota of population, 
but it must be remembered that the location was one remote from 
markets, and shut out from the advantages of transportation, save 
by the slow and laborious method of ox teams and lumber wagons. 
There was really nothing to stimulate or encourage immigration. The 
principal population of the surrounding country was that of Indians, 
and for several years trade with these dark sons of the forest consti- 
tuted no small item in the business transactions of our merchants. 
There were many annoyances and inconveniences to submit to, 



many obstacles to overcome. The mails, for instance, put in an 
appearance quite infrequently, and were carried on horseback from 
point to point; and the arrival of the postman in those times was 
hailed as a gala day by the inhabitants. 

"Yet, notwithstanding all the drawbacks, the toils and trials of 
the past, the town moved slowly but surely onward. Churches 
were organized, the Congregational being first, and those *avant 
couriers' of *the faith' were followed by others. Merchants were at- 
tracted, mechanics and all the various classes comprising the inte- 
grals of towns. 

"Lapeer was incorporated as a city March 30, 1869. The con- 
struction in after years of the Port Huron Eailroad was a source of 
great good to the town. It opened up new and hitherto unapproach- 
able markets, and placed us upon the great plane of equahty with 
other and older cities. The more recent completion of the Bay 
City Division of the Michigan Central Eailroad has also had the 
effect of a more rapid development of the county, giving us compet- 
ing freights, and developing the lumber traffic of this section, which 
has become an important feature in the business of Lapeer. Better 
than all, however, was the fact that Lapeer County contained within 
itself sustaining force. Its soil was of the richest possible charac- 
ter, its forest abounded in excellent timber, and it is peopled with a 
hardy and industrious people. Every tree that was felled was a 
step towards prosperity; every acre in cultivation was a guerdon 
of success; and so these noble men and women toiled on, creating 
for the generation of to-day an inheritance time shall not dim. " 



CHANGES OF TWELVE YEARS. 



Changes which are observed as they take place, do not appear 
as remarkable as those occurring during an absence. Any one who 
has gone out from among familiar scenes and returned after a lapse 
of years, has been impressed with the truth of this, and will be in- 
terested in the following graphic description of the change of 
scenes which occurred in Lapeer, during an absence of twelve years. 
The writer says: 

*'The 17th day of June, 1874, found us once more in the 
venerable town of Lapeer, among the 'scenes of our childhood,' 
after an absence of twelve years, and how much the place has 
changed since then ! At that time a quiet, old appearing country 
village, of perhaps 4.00 inhabitants, with three old-fashioned 
taverns, a few stores and shops, with no communication with 'the 
outside world,' save by the old-fashioned stage coach and lumber 
wagon, over bad roads, with Flint about twenty miles, and Pontiac 
over thirty miles distant, as the nearest market. 

"But lo, what a change a few years have wrought! Large 
brick structures are seen, rows of business places, and dwellings 
extended on every hand, with two railroads coming in at different 
points,^ — in fact the whole place and surroundings have undergone a 
wonderful change! 

"We looked in vain for those ancient landmarks — Hoffman's 
old store, the old jail on the commons, Forbes' tavern near the 
bridge, the old tanneries near the creek, the old blacksmith shop on 
the corner and Brown's shop opposite, where used to congregate such 
kindred spirits as John Brock, Edward Brown, John Warren, Big 
Joe Carpenter, and other muscular worthies of twenty years ago. 
But they are scattered, and these ancient buildings are known no 
more. One ancient landmark yet remains that looks familiar — the 
old elm tree just under the hill by the creek, under which A. N. 
Hart and family encamped in 1831, the date of the first settlement 
in those parts. The old tree is surmounted by a lightning rod for 
preservation, having been struck by lightning several times. 

"The people have also changed, and comparatively few were 
those we knew. Uncle Forbes, Eiley, Hoffman, Colonel Brant, of 



l9 






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66 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



Ardent memory; old Nobles the trapper, Uncle Simes, Jerry Hin- 
man and others, have since 'gone home,' and many others of those 
days are dead, or scattered far and wide. Bill Eyan, the red-hot 
editor of the Lapeer T(jcsin fell fighting for the 'Lost Cause' on 
the bloody field of Gettysburg while leading on the 'Louisiana 
Tigers,' 

"Politics raged high in those days, inasmuch as Democratic 
women refused to- lend tea or sugar or associate with their Whig 
neighbors, and rice versa, 

******* 

"We visited the old home just in sight of town, and it was 
lonely ! The old house had gone to decay. The roof had fallen in ; 
the ground hog burrowed beneath the fallen chimney ; here the 
phoebe builds her nest and rears her young; grass grew in the yard, 
and waved its rank heads before the ruined windows and in the 
open door; sounds of merry voices are heard no more, but desolate 
stillness reigns all around. 

"The garden fence is seen no more; the apple trees are dying 
with age. The spring at the foot of the hill is nearly obhterated. 
. Two frogs jumped in at our approach. They are its rulers, now. 
We strolled along the creek near by. Two ducks flew up near the 
bend where we used to hunt them years ago, and with screams dis- 
appeared far up the stream. The thrush built her nest in the 
bushes near the banks, and sang her gladdening notes of old; the 
violets grow in the same shady nook, and the same old fence 
hidden with bushes skirted the brow of the hill, where wended the 
cow path, and wild plums grew, and we picked strawberries near 
the wild cherry tree in the meadow, the same spot where we had 
picked them twenty years before. As we passed the cat4ail swale 
in the meadow near the big rock, blackbirds flew upward with 
loud screams in defense of their young — those same looking black- 
birds with red spots on their wings, we used to rob of old. 

"With musing thoughts on interesting spots along the way, we 
arrived at the old school-house, and were ushered in by the teacher, 
whose existence dates since we studied here. We took our same 
old seat, and a thousand memories of those earlier days crossed our 
fancied brain as we looked around upon strange faces, every one. 
After dwelling on familiar marks around the house we sought the 
woods near by, and threw ourselves under the shade of the old elm 
tree, where hung the swing of other days, and thought of those 
companions who once gathered there, and as each cherished re- 
membrance arose, involuntary words came forth — 'Ah, those were 
happy days! — yes, would I were a boy again!' And with feelings 
of lonely sadness we arose and lef fc the spot. " 

LAPEER IN 1872. 

The following article descriptive of Lapeer was written in 
November, 1872: 

"Forty-one years ago the 11th of the present month the 
founder of this little city, A. N. Hart, pushed his way through the 
woods, cutting his road as he went, until he pitched his camp 
beneath a large elm, still standing and preserved with jealous care 
by his sons, who, to ward off even the lightning's stroke, have 
attached to it a lightning rod, that it may long stand as a 
monument to its early friend and preserver. Discovering that the 
Flint Kiver and Farmers Creek here made a junction, and that 
there was a sufficient fall of water to be valuable for manufacturing 
purposes, he rightly conjectured that the power here so long wasted 
should not be left to pursue its quiet course unobstructed, and he at 
once resolved to seize this opportunity to build himself a town. For 
many long years has he seen his hopes of a speedy communication 
with the outside world by steam deferred. Lapeer, however, con- 
tinued to grow on, interrupted by a devastating fire, and again 



being rebuilt, until at last, in June, 1871, they were in communi- 
cation with^the East by the Port Huron & Lake Michigan Railroad. 

From that time to the present the town has increased in 
number about 500 inhabitants. Early in the present year the 
people along the hne of the projected Detroit & Bay City Railroad 
received sufficient encouragement to warrant them in letting the 
contract for building this road, and in the remarkably short space 
of seven months' time the road was opened up for traffic to Lapeer, 
a distance of sixty miles, and with very few exceptions is as smooth 
as the oldest and best road in the State. But there was no stop- 
ping to take breath. The work has continued to be pushed on by 
the contractors, Messrs. Briscoe, Hill& Co., of the main line, and 
by S. Brownell & Co., of the north branch, until twelve miles of the 
track toward Bay City is already completed, and the worst cut of 
the line — the Otter Lake cut — will be completed in twenty-five 
days, and the track probably will be down to Bay City by January 
1st. Messrs. Brownell & Co. have more than half completed the 
grading from Lapeer to Fish Lake and along the lake, to which the 
north branch of this road is to run and stop, for the present winter 
at least. The mills and lumber near the terminus of this branch 
warrants them in constructing this line, and as a result two mills 
are already constructed at Fish Lake and three more, with stores, 
planing-mills, shops, &c., are soon to be built. Hotels are also con- 
templated, and the town of Stephens is to be laid out, here in the 
woods. 

"But to return to Lapeer. On inquiry it was ascertained that 
Lapeer contained about three thousand inhabitants. Its main 
street, extending east and west, is called Nepessing. It is of 
extreme length proportionally to the size of the place; that is, the 
buildings are not constructed closely in one close line, but separated 
often by wide spaces. This rather objectionable feature of an 
otherwise pleasant little city is due to the rivalry of land specu- 
lators. This street contains about twenty-one brick stores, and in 
all about forty business places. The various trades are represented 
by five clothing stores, twelve dry goods stores, five boot and shoe 
stores, four harness shops, one cigar and tobacco store, three heavy 
hardware stores, six groceries, three drug stores and one book and 
stationery store. The hotel business of the town is very active, 
and there are two good houses. The first of these, the Abram 
House, by James Abrams, is well known. He is now preparing 
to tear away the older part of the house and erect m Jts place a 
large brick building, which will be a credit to the place and its pro- 
prietor. The Marshall House is also a good house. There is any 
amount of taverns where good accommodations for man or beast 
may be had, and other places of refreshment are very numerous. 

"Nearly every denomination of churches may be found here, 
and the Baptists are adding another edifice to the list which will be 
an ornament to the town. 

"Among the manufacturing establishments of the place may 
be enumerated two sash and blind factories, having all the latest 
improvements, besides two flouring- mills, two foundries, one 
woolen factory, and several saw-mills just out of town. This being 
the county seat, lawyers' offices as well as all the various professions 
are well represented. 

"Two weekly papers are issued— the Democrat, being a new 
paper, and ably conducted, and popular for the attention given to 
local matters. J. B. Graham is the publisher, and for the short 
time he has been estabhshed has acquired for his journal a wide 
circulation. The Clarion office is a model of convenience and 
completeness, even to steam engine and cylinder press, and the 
wonder is that Mr. Tomhnson has worked up the circulation suffi- 
cient to sustain so extensive an estabhshment ; but his success is 
manifest, and is no more than the reward of his energy and talent, 









ll 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



67 



the paper being in every respect of superior character and in- 
fluence. 

"The Lapeer Driving Paik is deserving of special mention, but 
beyond the fact of its fine half-mile track, delightful location, fine 
grove of trees and general improvements, space forbids further 
mention. 

**Real estate is on the point of advancing since the railroads 
have been completed, and farms that were sold for |50 and $60 an 
acre a year ago could hardly be bought for |75. Business lots on 
the main streets are worth f 100 per foot, and dwelling lots find 
ready sale at f 200 to $300 each, according to location. Business 
generally seems to be in a prosperous condition, and the future of 
Lapeer, with its various railroads centering here, and its fine 
farming country surrounding, certainly looks bright. 

**If any one doubts the strength of pine lands to raise wheat, 
they can have their incredulity shaken by asking any farmer how 
much wheat he raised to the acre this season in this immediate 
vicinity. From twenty to twenty-five bushels was no uncommon 
yield. 

**Little towns and new settlements are springing up in every 
direction, and the nearest competing towns are Bay City on 
the north, Flint on the west, and Port Huron on the east, each from 
twenty-five to thirty-five miles away, and Detroit sixty miles to the 
south— too great a distance to steal all their best retail trade." 

LAPEER CHURCHES. 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN SOCIETY. 

In a volume whose leaves have grown yellow during the fifty 
years of its existence, are gathered the early records of the Congre- 
gational and Presbyterian Society, which was organized under the 
former name but subsequently changed to the latter. Upon the 
first page of the volume is written the following : 

** A record of the formation and proceedings of the First Con- 
gregational Church at Lapeer County site, which was organized July 
21, 1838. 

'* On this day a number of professing Christians assembled at 
the house of J. B. Morse of said Lapeer, to take into consideration 
the expediency of forming a church. Present, the Rev. Isaac W. 
Ruggles and Luther Shaw, missionaries, commissioned by the 
American Home Missionary Society. 

** Joseph B. Morse, Betsey Morse, Alvin McMaster, Martha 
White, Alvin N. Hart, Charlotte F. Hart, Benjamin W. Ball, Lucia 
A. Morse and Marcia C. Morse, presented letters from other 
churches, and after having given publicly the reason for the hope 
which they entertained, entered into covenant to walk together as 
a church in all the ordinances of the gospel." 

Confession of faith and covenant were adopted, and also the 
Congregational mode of church government. 

It was voted that A. N. Hart be acting clerk of the church. 

The ordinance of baptism was performed upon Benjamin E. 
and Alvin D., sons of A. N. and Charlotte F. Hart. 

August 12, another meeting was held at which standing rules 
were adopted. 

May 28, 1834, a conference meeting was held at which Samuel 
and Thankful Murlin were admitted by letters from the Presbyterian 
Church at Pontiac. The baptismal ceremony was performed upon 
Oscar, son of J. B. and Betsey Morse. 

The following June, Henry M. Look and wife were admitted by 
letter from the church in East Avon, N. Y., and at a subsequent 
meeting, in the same month, John Look was admitted and the 
Lord's Supper administered by Rev. Isaac Ruggles. 

January 12, 1835, the annual meeting was held at the house of 



A. N. Hart, and the following officers elected: Moderator, Samuel 
Murlin; clerk, A. N. Hart; treasurer, A. N. Hart. At this meeting 
a resolution was adopted requesting admission to the Presbytery of 
Detroit, and J. B. Morse and A. N. Hart were elected delegates to 
attend the meeting of the Presbytery at Detroit. At that meeting 
the request of this church was granted. 

Up to the latter part of 1837 the church held meetings at 
Lapeer and Farmers Creek, but at that time a society was formed 
in Hadley and the members living in that vicinity withdrew from 
the Lapeer Church. 

The first building erected by the society as a house of worship 
stood near the site of the present church, and was known as the 
Session House. 

About 1850 the society adopted the Presbyterian mode of 
church government, and soon after erected a church, which was 
dedicated in 1852. In 1873, having been greatly improved and 
enlarged by an expenditure of about $6,000, the church was re-dedi- 
cated. 

The pastors of the church have been Revs. Sly, Woods, Bates, 
Piatt, Smith, Woodruff, Tuttle, Gerrish, Bartelle, Taylor, Foster, 
Stouten burgh and Frost. 

THE M. E. CHURCH. 

Lapeer was first made an appointment as a preaching place in 
1834, and was included in the Farmington circuit, then under the 
pastoral care of Revs. E.H. Pilcher and F. A. Seaborn. The circuit 
being too large to be manageable, it was divided— Washington 
Jackson was employed to take charge of Lapeer and the territory 
lying around it. He preached a few times during the year at 
Farmers Creek. In 1835 Lapeer was returned as an appointment, 
and -^for the first time appears in the conference minutes. No 
preacher was sent by the conference to labor at Lapeer, and the 
presiding elder employed Rev. Oscar F. North as its pastor. 

Lapeer was then a part of Oakland County. Michigan had a 
territorial government, and Methodistically the territory was con- 
nected with Ohio, for all the preachers belonged to the Ohio con- 
ference. 

In July, 1835, Rev. E. H. Pilcher held a two days' meeting in 
Lapeer, which was the first love feast and sacrament season ever 
held in Lapeer County. 

In 1836 the general conference organized an annual conference 
in Michigan and severed us from Ohio. In the fall of that year 
the first session of the Michigan annual conference was held, when 
Philip Wareham was appointed to Lapeer. As both Messrs. North 
and Jackson were supphes sent by the presiding elder, Mr. Ware- 
ham was the first man appointed here by a bishop. 

In 1837 Flavel Brittain was pastor, and in 1838 Oran Mitchell 
succeeded him. In 1839 Ebenezer Steele was pastor. In 1840 
Duncan McGregor was appointed pastor and remained two years. 
In 1842 Rev. Joseph Jennings was appointed pastor. 

In 1843 George F. Hemingway was pastor. In 1844 Stephen 
C.Woodard was preacher in charge, with Nelson Barnum for assist- 
ant. In 1845 Wilham Mothersill was pastor. In 1846 John Gray 
was pastor. In 1847 and 1848 Israel Cogshall. 

Since then the pastors have been as follows: Revs. Brown, 
Cawthorne, Whitemore, Allen, Borden, Stonax, Evener, Taylor, 
Storker, Fox, Bartlette, Armstrong, A. J. Bigelow, W. E. Bigelow, 
Potter, J. Venning. 

At a very early day services were held in the court-house on 
the hill and afterward in the session house. 

In 1843 and 1844 a house of worship was built, which is still 
standing and used as a furniture store. That was used until 1862, 
when the present church was built at a cost of about |4,000. The 
building has since been considerably improved. Prior to the build- 



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68 



HISTOKY OF LAPEEK COUNTY. 



ing of the new church, this society embraced Hunters Creek, but at 
that time a division took place, and Hunters Creek became a sepa- 
rate charge. 

The society numbers at the present time 216 members, and 
the Sunday-school about 150 members. 

THE BAPTIST SOCIETY. 

From the records it is learned that a meeting of the Baptist 
brethren of Lapeer was held at the house of Caleb 8. Hicks, Satur- 
day, May 30, 1858. There were present Hervey Roberts, Colum- 
bus Tuttle, Edwin M. Roberts, Caleb S. Hicks, Cyrus Petingal, H. 
Loomis and sisters, Eunice Tuttle, Sarah A. Davis, P. Watson. It 
was unanimously resolved that in their opinion the time had fully 
come when it was their duty as Christians of the Baptist faith and 
order to maintain public worship in the village. 

H. Loomis was chosen church clerk, and it was voted to invite 
Rev. W. H. Fuller of Oxford, Genesee County, to become their pas- 
tor for the ensuing year. Mr. Fuller consented to preach each 
alternate Sabbath for the sum of $100. 

At a meeting held the following month, the following persons 
were admitted into the church: Harry Gris wold, D. A. C. Hunger- 
ford, Eliza Griswold, Evans. Columbus Tuttle was chosen 

deacon. 

Meetings were held for a time in the old Masonic Hall and also 
in the court-house. 

In 1859 steps were taken toward building a house of worship 
and subsequently a frame church was erected. 

In 1864 a formal organization was perfected with the following 
persons as trustees: Harry Griswold, Hubbel Loomis, Jonathan H. 
Hicks, Caleb S. Hicks, Lester E. Waterbury and Columbus Tuttle. 

The pastors since Rev. W. H. Fuller have been ^evs. 
Bump, Johnson, Waldron, Little, Titus, Brooks, Curtis, Lawley 
and the present pastor, Rev. J. C. Rooney. 

During the pastorate of Rev. E. L. Little, the church enjoyed 
a marked degree of prosperity, and in 1872 tho society decided to 
meet a demand for a new and more commodious church edifice. 
Ample and desirable lots were obtained on the corner of Law and 
Cedar Streets, having a frontage of 110 feet on the first and of 180 
on the latter, which afforded ample room for the new building and for 
a grove and grass plat on the east, and sufficient space on the lot at 
the rear for sheds. 

The corner stone was laid with appropriate exercises, May 29, 
1873. The following articles were deposited in a box and placed in 
the corner stone: The Early history of Lapeer; history of the 
Baptist Church of Lapeer; history of the present enterprise; a 
copy of the subscriptions toward the building; a business directory 
of Lapeer; county and city officers as already read; a United 
States coin, a copy of the last number of the Standard^ Chicago; a 
copy of the last number of the Examiner and Chronicle, New York; 
a copy of the Watchman and Reflector, Boston; a copy of the Herald 
ayid Torchlight, Kalamazoo; a copy of the Lapeer Dem^ocrat, of May 
26; a copy of the Weekly Clarion, of May 29; a copy of the 
Detroit Tribune, of May 29; a copy of the New Testament; cards of 
our citizens in business; programme of the Michigan State Union 
Sunday-School convention, to be held this week in Kalamazoo; 
minutes of the Michigan Baptist State convention of 1872; minutes 
of the Michigan Baptist Sunday-school convention of 1872; min- 
utes of the Flint River Baptist Association, 1872. After these arti- 
cles had been deposited by the pastor in the box, it was hermetic- 
ally soldered by Mr. Jenkins, foreman for Messrs. Loder & Sutton. 
It was then deposited in the corner stone, which was laid in its 
place by the pastor, assisted by the stone mason, Michael McNa- 
mara, and the brick mason, Patrick Marr. The box was cemented 
in the stone. 



The building was so far completed that the basement story 
was dedicated February 3, 1874. 

There are, in 1883, 152 members of the church. Columbus 
Tuttle is superintendent of the Sunday-school, and Henry Vincent, 
church clerk. 

The church edifice is built of brick, and is the finest in the 
coimty, costing, at the time of its construction, about $17,000. 

THE CATHOLIC SOCIETY. 

The Church of the Immaculate Conception was organized in 
1866, with about forty families. A church building had been 
erected about eight years prior to the organization of the society, 
and visits were made by priests from Flint. The society at the 
present time numbers about seventy families. Rev. John Busche 
has been pastor since 1866. 

UNIVEESALIST SOCIETY. 

The first Universalist parish of Lapeer was organized March 
13, 1873, with the following officers: Moderator, V. Rich; clerk, 
Stewart Gorton; treasurer, A. H. Toedt. A few meetings had been 
held prior to that time. The society was organized by Rev. Mr. 
Knickerbocker, of Wayne. The first pastor was Rev. J. H. Palmer, 
now an attorney at Lapeer, who began his labors in April following 
the organization, and continued as pastor until April, 1877. In 
1875 a house of worship was built, costing about $5,000. Mr. 
Palmer was succeeded by Rev. L. J. Dinsmore, who was succeeded 
by Rev. J. N. Pardee who remained a short time as a supply. He 
was succeeded by Rev. W. A. Pratt. After Mr. Pratt were several sup- 
plies, and in March, 1883, Rev. J. M. Getchell became pastor. 
There are at present about fifty families belonging to the parish. 

METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH. 

The Methodist Protestant Church, of Lapeer circuit, was or- 
ganized Aug. 7, 1877, as shown by records in the office of the 
county clerk. The existence of this society as a religious body, 
dates back to about the year 1848. Meetings used to be held in the 
old court-house on the hill and afterward in a room once a store. 
About the time the Baptist society built their new church, the frame 
church was purchased by this society. The present pastor is Rev. 
Kellogg. 

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The first attempt at organizing an Episcopal society was in 
June of 1873, when a mission was organized under the name of St. 
John's Mission. The various auxiliary organizations were per- 
fected, and the erection of a house of worship was attempted. Rev.- 
Charles Thorp was in charge. This organization lasted about a year 
and then ceased to exist. 

SeptemSer 19, 1878, Rev. Dr. Stocking, of Detroit, delivered 
a lecture in the Universalist Church, after which a meeting was held 
at the instance of the reverend gentleman for the purpose of church 
organization^ a,nd thus bring the residents of the Protestant Episco- 
pal faith as a body before the diocesan authorities in order to ob- 
tain the aid of the missionary board to secure the services of a resi- 
dent clergyman. After a brief preliminary statement of the pur- 
poses to be effected and the course it is necessary to pursue, the 
reverend gentleman submitted a paper (a draft of an application it 
is necessary to make to the standing committee of the diocese to se- 
cure this aid), which reads as follows: 
^^To the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Michigan: 

" Gentlemen : — At a meeting of sundry communicants of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church, and of other persons attached to the 
doctrine, disciphne and worship, held in Lapeer, Lapeer County, 
Mich., on Thursday, September 19, 1878, it was resolved to organ- 
ize for the purpose of bringing the church people and this proposed 
work into some immediate and responsible relation with the consti- 



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HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



69 



tuted diocesan authorities, and by such means to secure the appoint- 
ment of a resident missionary. About thirty famihes and parts of 
famiMes are pledged to assist in supporting the services of the 
church, and from a subscription list which will be forthcoming, it 
will appear that at least |400 has been pledged in a good and 
responsible subscription toward such service. Messrs. Fortune, 
Emmet and Gillispie were appointed a committee to provide a suit- 
able place for holding diocesan service, and such furniture as may 
be necessary to the reverent performance of the same." 

September 30th the committees convened and took into consid- 
eration the subject of a fit place for holding^service together with 
that of finance, all members being present excepting Messrs. Will- 
iams and McLennan. After some deliberation it was decided unan- 
imously that the several rooms in Mr. Phineas White's block, over 
H. Cummings' store, with little expense could be made suited to the 
purpose. 

May 1, 1882, the mission was organized into a parish. Sep- 
tember, 1881, the corner stone of the new church building was laid 
with appropriate ceremonies. In xipril, 1882, the church was for- 
mally opened. The building is of brick, and with the lot costs 
about $3,000. 

The rectors have been as follows: — In 1879, Eev. John S. Sei- 
bold; 1880, Eev. Albert E. George; 1881-'82, Eev. Frederick N. 
Luson; 1883, Eev. Isaac Barr. The parish numbers about 125 
members, and has two out stations, one at North Branch and one 
at Otter Lake. 

GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN. 

The German Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Lapeer 
was legally organized August 20, 1873. The trustees were C. Simon, 
H. Steinhart, A. Whittstock. A church was built and used a short 
distance out of the city. 

There are also Second and Seventh Day Adventist societies, 
both of which have houses of worship. 



THE LAPEEE SCHOOLS. 

The following history of the Lapeer schools is taken from an 
article prepared by Oliver G. Owen : 

*'The oldest pioneers came to Lapeer about 1831, and the first 
schools among them were private enterprises. Of the places where 
these schools were taught, and of the teachers employed, little is 
now known ; but in a very early day a school was kept in a build- 
ing which stood near the site of the Marshall House. A building 
which stood on the property now owned by Benjamin Ball and an- 
other situated on the ground now occupied by White's Opera House 
Block, -were also used as school-houses. In the latter in the fall of 
1833, Captain N. H. Hart taught a school which was attended by 
about thirty pupils. 

^*With the admission of Michigan into the Union in 1837, the 
schools of the village came to have a more definite relation to the 
general law, which continued to be about the same as in territorial 
times. The distinctive feature of this law was the rate bill, by 
which the cost of tuition was equitably assessed upon the parents of 
the children in attendance. In this way for nineteen years, down 
to 1856, the schools were maintained. By the enterprise of Phineas 
White, the first building specially devoted to school purposes was 
erected. This was put up during the summer of 1837, upon the now 
vacant high school lot, but was soon afterward removed to the 
southeast corner of the adjoining block on the east; and in this 
house for the next seven years, schools were kept by teachers whose 
names are now almost forgotten, except notably that of E. J. 
Whi^e. 

*'But the first school-house built at the public expense was the 



north part of the Second Ward school building. In the summer of 
1843 the contract for the building was let to Miron B. Smith, and 
the structure was completed in time for a winter school, which w*as 
taught by Thomas Hanchett. After him, winter schools in this build- 
ing, which was the only public school-house in Lapeer down to 1861, 
were successively taught by John McKean, Myron C. Kenney, Carl- 
ton Peck, Hubbel Loomis, and Myron C. Kenney a second time. 
Two of these teachers still reside here. Dr. Kenney and Mr. Peck, 
and each has taken an active part in the school matters of this 
county, the former serving upon the board of school inspectors from 
1848 till the establishment of the county superin tendency in 1866, 
the latter also serving on the same board from 1856 onward. To 
this board, which the county superin tendency superseded, was 
intrusted the responsibihty of determining the qualifications of 
teachers, and the province of its authority was a large part of this 
county. 

"In the fall of 1845 the interest in the schools received a 
marked impetus. The State superintendent of public instruction, 
Mr. Mayhew, made a visit to the village, which was long remem- 
bered, and many are even now heard to speak of it as forming an era 
in the school history of the village. But the influence to help on 
the schools, notwithstanding the significance of Mr. Mayhew '3^ visit, 
came not so much from within tlie State system as from without it. 
Eev. E. W. True, an excellent scholar, and a man of ripe experi- 
ence, came to Lapeer about the same time to engage in teaching a 
select school; and in the three years of his residence in the town, 
he made an impression which has not yet been effaced. The be- 
ginnings of our upper or high school instruction are to be found the 
work which he did, and not, as usually has been the case in the 
State, in the growing functions of the district school, whose pecul- 
iar environment at that time made large room for private schools 
and academies. In 1849 he closed his work here, during the last 
year of which he was assisted by his accomplished wife, and, hav- 
ing removed to Macomb County, he died there a few years since. 
For twelve years after his leaving Lapeer, instruction in higher 
branches was somewhat distinct from the common school, and 
was for the most part confined to the private schools which suc- 
ceeded Mr. True's academy. These schools, with that of Mr. 
True were nearly all taught in the old court-house, a building which 
afterward became the property of the trustees of the Lapeer Semi- 
nary, then of the board of education, and lastly of E. J. White. It 
at first stood upon the site of the present high school building, but 
after an occupancy of thirty years as a school-house, it was re- 
moved to the block on the northeast, where it burned down in 1876, 
A grateful memory clings to this building, w^hich is remembered 
with affection by many in Lapeer, whose school days were passed 
within its walls. 

The successors of Mr. True and other teachers of select schools 
may now be given : 

During the summer of 1849 and 1850, Miss Mary A. Clark 
taught a school for young ladies. 

In the fall of 1848, Mr. Davis Eich opened a school in the old 
session house, but it was soon discontinued. 

Eev. Wm. Piatt, assisted by Thomas Morton, opened an acad- 
emy through the fall and winter of 1850-51. 

Mr. Morton continued the academy the following summer. 

Professor J. M; EUis carried on the academy the winter of 
1851-2, closing in the spring. From here he went to Oberlin Col- 
lege, where he has been ever since, professor of the Greek lan- 
guage, in the faculty of that institution. 

Misses Sampson next taught for one year an excellent select 
school. 

In 1856 the last rate bill was made out by Stephen S. Hicks, 



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70 



HIBTOEY OF LAPEEK COUNTY, 



who was school director at thp.t time. Thenceforward until the fall 
of 1861, the school was one of the free common schools of the 
State. 

THE LAPEEE SEMINAKY. 

An incorporation was formed in 1859, with James Turrill, E. 
J. White, Chas. Eich and others as trustees, for the purpose of 
opening and carrying on a school for secondary instruction. The 
school which was thus estahlished, was known as the Lapeer Sem- 
inary, and Professor Lewis McLouth, now of the State Normal 
School, was its first and only principal. The seminary itself was 
the outgrowth of the private schools which had begun with Mr. 
True; and it was reserved for Professor McLouth, in the two years 
that he taught, to so promote the school interests as to hasten the 
union of secondary instruction with the public common school, in 
what was known as the Lapeer Union School. 

THE LAPEER UNION SCHOOL. 

When Professor McLouth left the seminary, a condition of 
things had come to exist which made it possible to take a great step 
forward in the educational interests of the place. E. L. Little was 
appointed to succeed Professor McLouth, but he had scarcely en- 
tered upon his work before an independent school district, under 
the general school law, was formed and the property of the semi- 
nary was transferred to the nearly organized district. This change 
took place in the fall of 1861, and the Lapeer Union School, under 
the management of trustees elected at the annual school meeting, 
comprises, for the next twelve years, the school history of the town. 
The following is a list of the principals who successively had charge of 
the school : 

1861-63— E. L. Little, A. B., University of Michigan; now 
Baptist minister at Alpena. 

1864-65 — Isaac Delano, A. B., Yale; now a lawyer in East 
Saginaw. 

1864-65 — Mr. Chapman, graduate of Normal School. 

1865-68 — James H. Vincent; living in Lapeer. 

1868-72 — Omar D. Thompson, now principal of Eomeo Union 
School. 

1872-73— F. M. Hamilton, A. B., University of Michigan, 
teaching in Urbana, Ohio. 

During this period the old school-house (Second Ward) was re- 
paired and the south room added. This was in 1866. The brick 
school-house in the Fourth Ward was built in 1869. The total num- 
ber of graduates (in three classes) of the Union School is four- 
teen. 

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE CITY OF LAPEEK. 

Lapeer was incorporated as a city in 1869, but it was not until 
1873, when the second amended charter was obtained, that provis- 
ion was made for schools which should be independent of the gen- 
eral school law of the State. The nature of this provision will be 
found in the next chapter, in the extracts which are given from the 
city charter. 

The superintendents and principals of the high school since 
1873, have been as follows: 

SUPEKINTENDENTS. 

1873-77— L. C. Miller, graduate of Normal School. 
1877- — Oliver Gummere Owen, A. M., Haverford College, 
Pennsylvania. 

PRINCIPALS OF HIGH SCHOOL. 

1873-75— William B. Williams, A. B., University of Michigan. 

1877-79 — Miss M. Estella Norton, undergraduate of University, 
since A. M. of University of Michigan. 

1879-80 — Miss Kate McNamara, undergraduate. 

1880-81— James Edward Hunt, A. B., University of Mich- 
igan. 



1881 — Guy Maynard Bigelow, A. B., University of Mich- 
igan. 

During these years a carefully graded system of schools has 
been built up, and while the grading is, in the main, that which is 
found in the larger towns and the cities of the State, the care of the 
board of education and of the superintendents has been uni- 
formly employed to make the schools meet the wants of our own 
people. 

In this period, two of the four school-houses, which are the 
property of the board, were erected ; the First Ward school build- 
ing, in 1873, and the high school building in 1875. Prior to 1876 
the old seminary building (at first built about 1840 for a court-house) 
had been, from 1861, the main pubhc school building in the place. 

The following list of trustees of the Union School (District 
No. 2, Lapeer Township,) is not so complete as could be wished, 
but the membership of the board of education created by 
the charter of 1873, is given in full. The hst is instructive as 
showing the service of influential men of the place upon a board 
which is charged with a very important trust that demands for its 
honorable performance, qualifications of no mean order: Dr. M. C. 
Kenney, 1861-74; George C. Bidwell, 1861-66; E. J.White, 1861- 
63; Hubbell Loomis, 1861-65; Charles Eich, 1861-63; Wm. Arnold, 
1863-67; Dr. A. Nash, 1868-74; W. H. Jennings, 1868-71; Abram 
H. Piper, 1872-73; J. E. White, 1866-69; John Hevener, 1867-74; 
W. W. Stickney, 1866-74; W. W. Barber, 1865-69; Jasper Bent- 
ley, 1869-74; J. H. Hicks, 1866-69; John B. Sutton, 1871-74; J. 
W. Dubois. 

BOARD OF EDUCATION, 1874-81. 

1874-75 — M. C. Kenney, president; John Heener, secretary; 
J. B. Moore, ex-officio; Abram H. Piper, Dr. Alfred Nash, W. W. 
Stickney, J. W. Dubois. 

1875-76 — W. W. Stickney, president; John Hevener, secretary; 
C. M. Hemingway, ex officio; W. J. Loder, Alexander McLennan, 
Dr. Alfred Nash, Dr. M. C. Kenney. 

1876-77~W. W. Stickney, president; E. T. Slayton, secretary; 
W. A. Jackson, ex-officio; Alexander McLennan, W. J. Loder, 
John Hevener, E. L. Little. 

1877-78 — Alexander McLennan, president; E. T. Slayton, sec- 
retary; C. G. White, ex-officio; W. J. Loder, E. L. Little, Dr. Alfred 
Nash, Dr. M. C. Kenney. 

1878-79 — Dr. M. C. Kenney, president; Dr. Alfred Nash, secre- 
tary; C. G. White, ex-officio; Dr. Hugh McCoU, Dr. E. G. Douglass, 
Dr. W. A. Jackson, Alexander McLennan. 

1879-80 - Dr. W. A. Jackson, president; Dr. Alfred Nash, sec- 
retary; Alexander McLennan, ex-officio; W. J. Loder, Dr. E. G. 
Douglass, Dr. M. C. Kenney, W. F. Daley. 

1880-81 — Alexander McLennan, president; W. F. Daley, sec- 
retary; W. J. Loder, ex-officio; Dr. W. A. Jackson, Dr. E. G. Doug- 
lass, C. G. White, Joshua Man waring. 

1881-82— Dr. M. C. Kenney, president; W. F. Daley, secre- 
tary; John Hevener, ex-officio; E. L. Thompson, Geo. N. Turrill, 
C. G. White, Alexander McLennan. 

1882-83— Alexander McLennan, C. G. White, George N. 
Turrill. 

In 1845 the school population of the district was 110; since 
1856, as follows: 1856, 224; 1857, 258; 1858, 268; 1859, 278 
1860,308; 1861,289; 1862,332; 1863, 376; 1864, 379; 1865,408 
1866, 492; 1867,524; 1868, 501; 1869, 558; 1870,582; 1871,677 
1872, 784; 1873, 827; 1874, 785; 1875, 730; 1876, 740; 1877, 
760; 1878, 758; 1879, 780; 1880, 804; 1881, 785. 

LIST OF TEACHEES. 

The following list of teachers who have taught in Lapeer is 
incomplete, though it is as full as it could be made from the local 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



71 



tradition. Asterisks are placed before the names of those who 
taught in select shools: 

1832-40— N. H. Hart, E. J. White, Elmira Hemingway (Mrs. 
Emory) Phila Hart (Mrs. Wattles), Susan Cressey (Mrs. Judge 
Brown. 

1840-44— *Eev. Mr. Bates and sister, John J. Cavett, Mary 
Eedman, John McKean, Mary Paterson (Mrs. Noble). 

1844-48— M. C. Kenney, Sarah Thorne (Mrs. Cady), Hubbell 
Loomis, Miss Beamer, Carlton Peck, *Eev. E. W. True, *Davis 
Kich. 

1848-52— *Mary A. Clark, *Eev. Wm. Piatt, *Thomas Morton, 
Elmira Hemingway (Mrs. Emory), *Prof. J. M. ElHs, *Misses 
Sampson, Susan Hitchcock, Samuel Gibbs, Sarah Hart (Mrs. 
Maxwell), Malvina Trumbull (Mrs. Piper), George Parcher, Mary 
Tomlinson (Mrs. Waterbury). 

1852-56— Charlotte Hodgson (Mrs. Walker), Carlton Peck, 
Sarah J. Smith (Mrs. Hough), *xMary Hazen (Mrs. Hunter), Ehz- 
abefch Higley. 

1856-60— Eollin Vincent, Anna Percy, Mr. Mathewson, Ehza- 
beth Tomlinson (Mrs. Graham), Sarah Peck (Mrs. Eichards). 

1859-61— *Prof. Lewis McLouth, seminary; *J. H. Vincent, 
*Judson Loomis *Jacob L. Green (now president Connecticut 
Mutual Life Insurance Company), *Mrs. J. H. Vincent, Sarah J. 
Smith. 

1861-63— E. L. Little, principal; J. H. Vincent, Park Johnson, 
Lizzie E. Proctor (Mrs. Strong), Miss Davis, Hannah Borden, 
Shubal F. White (now Judge White, Allegan) ; Seth Beden, Myra 
Tripp (Mrs. WiUiams). 

1863-64— Isaac Delano, principal; Mrs. Bardwell, Oliver F. 
Davison (Mrs Butterfield), Miss Peck, Ehzabeth Higley, Lucy 
Gerrish, assistant; Lizzie E. Proctor (Mrs. Strong), Myra Tripp 
(Mrs. WiUiams), E. B. Eldredge. 

1864-65— E. A. Chapman, principal; Mrs. E. A. Chapman, 
Ehoda C. Walters (Mrs. Lombard), P. A. Schedd. 

1865-68— J. H. Vincent, Mrs. J. H. Vincent, Lucy A. Eobin- 
son, Mary H. Henry, Emma Hicks, Hannah Butterfield, Estella 
Garrison, Mrs. Sarah Wilson, Mrs. Mary A. Vincent, Nelhe Hem- 
ingway (Mrs. Lamb), Deborah K. Converse (Mrs. Corey), Anna 
Taylor. 

1868-72—0. D. Thompson, principal; Mrs. Frances A. Buck, 
assistant; Miss Kimball, assistant; Miss Ella Hayes, assistant; Miss 
Hall (Mrs. Eichards), assistant; Miss Mary Wells, assistant; Miss 

Newton (Mrs. ), Miss Amanda Dean (Mrs. Carey), Mrs. 

Sweet, Mary Warren (Mrs. Johnston), Sarah J. Evans (Mrs. Vos- 
burg), Ahce Brazie (Mrs. Graham), Sophia Thomas, Mrs. AmeHa 
Clark, Ob.; Mary Clark, Miss Carrie Hicks (Mrs. Piper), Ob., Liz- 

zie Chalmers (Mrs. Smith), Miss Mattie Caswell (Mrs. ), Ob. 

1872-73— E. M. Hamilton, principal; Miss Vanfieet, assistant; 
Minnie Osmon, Miss Addie Kendall (Mrs. Case), Miss Juha Wat- 
kins, Miss Kate McNamara, Lizzie Chalmers (Mrs. Smith). 

1873-77 — L. C. Miller, superintendent; W. B. WiUiams, prin- 
cipal; Miss EsteUa Norton, principal; John Johnson, Ida Ham- 
mond (Mrs. Dickerson), Jennie Sutton (Mrs. Thomas), Ob.; Mar- 
garet Smith, Miss Emma Hulshart (Mrs. May), Mary McNamara, 
Miss Chamberlain, Anna Hough, Miss Sarah Hough, Hattie Hough 

(Mrs. ), Lizzie Foster (Mrs. Smith), Sarah Foster (Mrs. 

Crombie), Helen Watkins, Ameha MandeviUe, Mary Eood (Mrs. 
Johnson) M. A. Houghton, Sarah Kelley, Mary West, Blanche 
Thomas (Mrs. White), Ob., Carrie Hicks (Mrs. Piper), Ob., John 
Johnson, AUie MiUs, Ob., Mary Conorrow, Albin F. Ayers, Miss 
Townsend, Anna Taylor— from 1865. 

1877-82 — Oliver G. Owen, superintendent; M. EsteUa Norton, 
principal; Anna Taylor, E. A. Galbraith, Abby Burrington (Mrs. 



Johns), Sarah E. Eoberts, Phoebe J. Watson, Sarah KeUey, Albma 
F. Ayers, M. A. Giddings, H. D. Buckingham, Mary McCune (Mrs. 
Mathews), Ada West, Anna 0. Loughlin, Nellie Smith, Delia Eood, 
Hattie Daley, Nettie Eoss, AlHe Watkins, Nettie L. Taylor (Mrs. 
Hopkins), Mary M. Gunu, Mrs. E. B. Eldredge, Kate McNamara, 
principal; James E. Hunt, principal; G. M. Bigelow, principal; 
Frank McNamara, Anna Hough, EUa HaUock, assistant; Mary A. 
Houghton, assistant. 

TEACHERS IN 1883. 

Superintendent, W. D. Chzbe; principal, William Streeter; as- 
sistant principal, Miss Mary Houghton ; eighth grade. Miss Anna 
Taylor; seventh grade, Elmer D. Gardner; sixth grade. Miss Mary 
Johnson; fifth grade. Miss Sarah KeUey. 

First Ward, first and second grades, Miss Nellie Smith; First 
Ward, third and fourth grades, Miss Ada C. West; Second Ward, 
first and second grades. Miss Hattie Daley; Second Ward, third and 
fourth grades. Miss Mary McNamara; Third Ward, first and second 
grades. Miss E. B. Eldridge; Third Ward, third and fourth grades, 
Miss Albina Ayres; Fourth Ward, first and second grades. Miss 
DeUa Eood; Fourth Ward, third and fourth grades. Miss Nettie Eoss. 

SECEET OEDEES. 

MASONIC. 

Lapeer Lodge No. 54, F. & A. M., was organized February 13, 
1852, with the foUowing officers: W. M., WiUiam H. Clark; S. 
W., John Barber; J. W., Miron B. Smith. 

In 1874 the lodge fitted up rooms in White's Block. The new 
haU was dedicated in AprU, 1874, which event was mentioned in a 
local paper of the following week as f oUows : 

"The formal opening of the new haU of Lapeer Lodge No. 56, 
F. & A. M., took place on Friday evening, with an attendance of 
about three hundred persons. The dedicatory exercises were con- 
ducted by State Deputy Grand Master G. H. Durand, of Flint, 
assisted by N. B. Eldredge, D. G. M. ; John Armstrong, G. C. ; 
William Townsend, S. G. D. ; E. C. Hutton, S. G. W. ; W. f! 
Daley, J. G. W.; J. W. Dubois, J. D.; F. H. Eankin, G.A.; w! 
W. Stickney, G. S. B. ; S. Curtis, G. M. 

"After the above exercises, the members repaired to the Opera 
Hall, where a number of ladies and invited guests were assembled 
to Usten to a Masonic address by D. G. M. Durand, of FUnt. 

"After the address supper was served at the Marshall House, 
to which nearly the entire audience repaired. 

"The new haU is in White's Block, is 32x53 feet, besides four 
large ante-rooms and banquet hall. It is handsomely carpeted, 
elegantly furnished, and is an honor not only to the fraternity, but 
a credit to our city." 

Officers in 1883: W. M., C. S. Hicks; S. W., James Hunger- 
ford; J. W., William Wadsworth; treasurer, A. McLennan; secre- 
tary, George H. Henderson; S. D., Frank Jackson; J. D., S. H. 
Smith; tyler, S. S. Hicks. 

The Chapter was organized in 1873. There are at present 
eighty members. The officers are as follows: H. P., W. F. Daley; 
K., G. B. Adams; S., James A. Hungerford; C. H., Charles 
Saunders; P. S., F. J. Jackson; E. A. C, William Barmon; G. 
M. 3 v., S. H. Smith; G. M. 2 V., Adam Hoesington; G. M. 1 V.] 
WiUiam Colerick; treasurer, A. McLennan; secretary, H. W. Hin- 
man; sentinel, S. S. Hicks. There were fourteen charter members. 
First officers: H. P., N. B. Eldredge; K., John Armstrong; S.] 
W.F.Daley; C. H., W. W. Stickney; P. S., Eobert Bigger; e! 

A. C, L. H. Gardner; G. M. 3 V., A. B. Joyce; G. M. 2 V., G. 

B. Adams; G. M. 1 V., WiUiam McDonald; treasurer, E. G. Haitj 
secretary, A. McLennan; sentinel, Joseph W. Hammel. 



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HISTOEY OF LA.PEEE COUNTY. 



The council was instituted Novemler 9, 1875, and the charter 
was obtained in February following. The first officers were as 
follows: T. I. M., H. K. White; D. I. M., W. F. Daley; P. C, 
John Hevener. The charter members in addition to those already 
named were as follows: E. S. Hutton, William McDonald, J. E. 
White, D. C. Miller, L. M. Gary, WiUiam Townsend, N. B. 
Eldredge, John Eobinson, A. McLennan, George P. Adams, C. L. 
Thatcher. Officers in 1883: T. I. M., H. K. White; D. I. M., F. 
J. Jackson; P. C, WiUiam Colerick; treasurer, A. McLennan; 
recorder, H. E. Hatch; C. C, 8. H. Smith. Present membership, 
forty -two. 

ODD FELLOWS. 

Lapeer Lodge No. 94, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted January 3, 
1866, with fourteen members. The principal officers were as fol- 
lows: N. G., William Hemingway; V. G., John J. Watkins; 
secretary, A. S. Hatch; treasurer, C. M. HemiDgw^ay. The lodge 
has enjoyed uniform prosperity, and at the present time has about 
sixty-four members. Eegular meetings are held on Wednesday 
evenings. Officers in 1883 are as follows: N. G., Daniel W. John- 
son; V. G., M. Conklin; secretary, John E. Eoberts; treasurer,. 

E. M. Eoberts; P. S., William Hemingway. 

KNIGHTS OF HONOR. 

Security Lodge No. 201 of this order w^as organized December 
6, 1874, with twenty-five charter members. Its present member- 
ship is twenty-eight. Eegular meetings are on the first and third 
Friday of each month. Present officers are: C. J. White, D.; E. 
B. Conklin, P. D. ; L. H. Tucker, representative; George B. Adams, 
treasurer; Charles Lombard, financial representative. 

ROYAL ARCANUM. 

Michigan Council No. 24 of this order was chartered May 3, 
1880, with forty members. Its present membership is fifty-seven. 
Its officers are: Eegent, E. C. Green; vice-regent, W. N. Cop- 
thorne; orator, Myron Snyder; secretary, J. E. Johnson; collector, 
S. E. Wilcox; chaplain, C. G. White; treasurer, Alex. McLennan; 
guide, William H. Bennett; sentinel, Fred. Lincoln; warden, 
George B. Adams. Past regents are W. W. Stickney, John 
' Abbott, E. T. Walker, A. Nash, H. A. Birdsall, J. E. Johnson, W. 

F. Daley and John Hevener. 

LAPEER BANKS. 

The First National Bank was started in February, 1871, and 
at once assumed a leading position in the monetary affairs not only 
of Lapeer County, but of the State. E. J. White was president 
and H. K. White, cashier. A change of officers occurred in 1873. 
The bank is operated on a nominal capital of f75,000, and 
officered as follows: President, H. K. White; vice-president, B. F. 
Moore; cashier, C. G. White. The officers and directors, with one 
exception, are old residents of the place ; men who have been long 
and actively identified with the business interests of Lapeer, and 
regarded as among the most staunch and reliable business men in 
this section of the State. Mr. E. J. White, one of the oldest 
citizens, was the prime mover in the enterprise. 

The Lapeer City Bank was started by J. M. Wattles and son 
under the firm name of J. M. Wattles & Co. in 1874, and the busi- 
ness is still continued under the same name. Mr. J. M. Wattles is 
one of the pioneer lawyers of the county. The bank is established 
on a safe financial basis and does a good business. 

LAPEER CITY BREWERY. 

This brewery, which is on Calhoun Street, near Nepessing 
Avenue, was built in 1866 by John A. Buerger. It is run by steam 
and has a capacity of about 2,000 barrels per annum. The lager 
beer made at this brewery finds its market in Michigan, although 
some of it is shipped to other States. 



HUNTER S CREEK GRIST-MILL. 

This mill was built in 1859 on Hunter's Creek in the city of 
Lapeer. The creek furnishes the power which runs it. It has 
been enlarged and improved since it was originally built. It has a 
capacity of twenty barrels j)er day and is run as a custom mill. It 
is owned by Esli K. Eedfield. 

TUTTLe's PLANING AND FEED MILL. 

This establishment is located on Monroe Street in the south- 
west part of Lapeer City. The original mill was built by Tuttle & 
Gregory in 1853. Burnt out in 1856 and rebuilt. Moved to its 
present location in 1871. In 1878 Mr. Tuttle bought Mr. Gregory's 
interest. In 1880 he added a feed mill for the accommodation of 
his customers. The planing-mill makes sash, doors, blinds, etc., 
and also runs a retail lumber yard in connection. 

LAPEER STEAM ENGINE WORKS. 

This estabhshment was built in 1873 by William McDonald. 
At it are manufactured steam engines, brass and iron castings, 
machinery, etc. Employs from ten to twelve men on an average. 
It is situated on Mill Street, near the track of the Michigan Central 
Eailway. Does a large State business. 

THE CENTENNIAL MILLS. 

This flouring-mill was built in 1876 by W. H. Jennings. He 
sold the property in 1878 to Mrs. C. T. Dodge, the present pro- 
prietoress. The capacity of the mill is about one hundred barrels 
of flour in twenty-four hours. 

In addition to those already mentioned are a sash and door 
factory, wagon shops, etc. 

BUILDINGS. 

The business buildings in Lapeer are substantial brick struct- 
ures, and impart to the city an air of thrift and stability. The 
Abram House was built in 1874. The White Block, built in 1879, 
is a large three-story brick, and contains the Opera House. It is 
an exceptionally fine building. The city building for the use of the 
city officers and fire department w^as erected in 1882. 

RAILROADS. 

The construction of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Eailroad in 
1870, the Detroit and Bay City in 1872, and the branch to Five 
Lakes, affords Lapeer excellent railw^ay connections. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

William B. Hamilton, M. D., was born in Paisley, Scotland, 
September 23, 1832. He came to America with his parents in 
1841, when the family settled in Berlin, St. Clair County, Mich., 
their farm touching the town line of Almont. Here he was brought 
up, receiving initiation into the mysteries of pioneer life on a farm 
under the tuition of his sturdy Scotch father. His early education 
in letters was received at the "old red school-house" in the "Scotch 
settlement" of Almont. At the age of tw^enty-one he commenced 
teaching district school during the winters, continuing to work on 
the home farm in the summer time, (excepting about six months 
spent at Dickinson Institute, Romeo,) till in the fall of 1859 he 
went to Ann Arbor and entered tlie Union School to prepare for the 
University, w^hich he entered the following fall, studying the 
classical course with the class of 1864 through the sophomore year. 
Then under convictions of patriotic duty he enlisted at Romeo 
August 9, 1862, in Captain Keeler's Company B, Twenty-second 
Regiment, Michigan Infantry, receiving the rank of sergeant. 
After seeing some hard service he was taken prisoner, together with 
a large portion of his regiment, at the battle of Chickamauga 
September 20, 1863, being at that time second lieutenant of Com- 



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HISTORY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



73 



pany F. Then followed a rough experience in various Southern 
prisons till March 1, 1864, when he was paroled, returning to his 
regiment in May with the rank of first heutenant, and was mustered 
out June 28, 1865. Before leaving the State for the war he had 
married Sara E. Stone, of Eay, Macomb County, then teaching in 
Eochester, Oakland County. At the close of the war he moved 
with his family to Ann Arbor and completed both classical and 
medical courses of study. In June, 1868, he moved to Burnside in 
this county and commenced practice as a physician, but remained 
there only eighteen months, and then moved to Columbiaville. 
After six years' practice in that place he went to Almont in the fall 
of 1875, but moved back to Columbiaville in the spring of 1877, 
where he remained till January, 1881, having been elected county 
treasurer in the campaign of 1880. On entering upon the duties 
of his office he came with his family to Lapeer City, where he now 
resides, and is serving his second term of office. 

Lorenzo J. Haddrill is one of the representative business men 
of Lapeer County, and is probably the most extensive dealer in 
groceries and farm products within its hmits. Mr. Haddrill was 
born at Orion, Oakland County, Mich., in the year 1849. When 
about sixteen years of age he came to Lapeer and attended school 
two years. Having by this time arrived at an age when he began 
to think about selecting some business pursuit, and having a natural 
taste for trade he entered the employ of his brother as clerk in his 
grocery store. Applying himself closely to the duties of his occupa- 
tion, he continued in that position until 1870, when he became a 
partner, and the firm was known as Haddrill Bros, for about three 
years. In 1873 he bought the* interest of his brother, W. H. 
Haddrill, and has continued the business alone to the present time, 
having been now continuously in this business for sixteen years, 
and the results show with what degree of success he has managed 
his operations. He carries on a general grocery store, carrying a 
large stock of general groceries, provisions, flour, feed, farm pro- 
ducts, wines, liquors, tobacco, cigars, etc., and in this line is said 
to be the largest dealer in the county, a position which has been 
reached by closely applying himself to his business and so dealing 
with the public as to secure their confidence. In addition to the 
business of his store he is extensively engaged in buying and sell- 
ing farm produce, and especially wool. In 1882 he handled more 
wool than any other dealer in the county, with one exception. He 
has been emphatically a successful business man. In 1876 he 
married Sarah Canniff, of Lapeer. They have two children, both 
daughters. Mr. Haddrill gives some attention to public affairs, and 
has held the office of alderman about nine years. 

EoDNEY O. Hart was the first child born in what is now Lapeer 
City, having been born in 1834. Was educated partly in Eomeo 
and Lodi Plains, Mich. Went to the Michigan University, but was 
compelled to leave on account of ill-health. Has been in business 
of various kinds until the present. Was a banker from 1866 till 
1878. After retiring from that business spent a year in Europe. 
Was in Paris in 1878 and visited the Exposition in company with 
ex-President Grant. Is now engaged in farming, having 220 acres 
adjoining the city of Lapeer. Has been and is an extensive dealer 
in fine blooded horses, swine and cattle, for which he has taken 
prizes at State fairs in Michigan, Missouri and Ohio; also at the 
Canadian Provincial Exhibition at London, Ont. Was the first 
mayor of Lapeer and has been an alderman for a number of years, 
and is at the present time alderman of the First Ward of Lapeer 
City. Held the office of postmaster six years. 

Shad N. Vincent was born in the village of Cold Brook, Herk- 
imer County, N. Y., in 1831, but the removal of his father, Dr. J. 
H. Yincent, to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, in the following year, identi- 
fies the early boyhood and manhood of the subject of this sketch 



with the State of Ohio. He received an academic education at the 
Asbury Seminary and the Champion Library School, and a thor- 
ough commercial training at the celebrated college of Bryant, Lusk 
& Stratton, at Cleveland, Ohio, graduating therefrom in 1854, and 
afterward assisting as instructor in the preparatory department. 

He early developed a passion for the study of vocal music, and 
at the age of sixteen was the conductor of the Musical Society at 
Chagrin FaUs. The teaching of this delightful branch of learning 
has been, with him, ever since, a labor of love, and he was, for 
many years, the leader of the Lapeer Philharmonic Society. His 
time was ever given for this purpose generously, and his services 
gratuitously, and many recall with feelings of gratitude the assist- 
ance thus freely rendered them in their early efforts in the tuneful 
art. 

Mr. Yincent settled in Lapeer in 1855, succeeding his brother. 
Dr. W. Yincent, in the drug business, which he still continues. He 
is the oldest druggist and merchant in the county, and has sold 
goods from one building for twenty-eight years. He has also been 
largely engaged in the manufacture of lumber and shingles, and to 
a hmited extent in farming. 

He was the first Republican postmaster of Lapeer, receiving 
his commission from President Lincoln in 1861. He was con- 
tinued in this office until April, 1883, being at tbe time of his re- 
tirement the oldest presidential postmaster in the State. He was 
' appointed the agent of the American Express Company upon their 
estabhshment of an office in Lapeer, and still holds that position. 
He is an active member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and 
engages heartily in whatever is conducive to its welfare. 

He has been twice married, and is the father of seven children, 
one of which, the issue of the first marriage, and three of the 
second, are living. 

Public spirited and generous, taking a lively interest in what- 
ever concerns tbe welfare of his city or State, an active worker in 
pohtics, his aggressive temperament is so toned by a genial and 
persistent good nature that there are few men who have a larger 
list of personal friends, or upon whom the battles of nearly fifty 
years have left fewer scars, or in whose breasts rankle less of un- 
pleasant memories. 

H. D. Webster, photographer, is a native of Lapeer County, 
and was born in the township of Hadley May 13, 1852, on the old 
homestead which his father took up from the government. He 
studied his profession with F. G. Maitland, of Buffalo, N. Y. 
Worked for a time m Flint, then came to Lapeer City, and was in 
the employ of C. A. Kelly for a period of fifteen months prior to 
1879, when he bought him out, and has since been doing business 
for himself. His location is in the Bank Block, and it can be said 
of him that he has adopted all of the late improvements used in the 
art of photography, including the instantaneous process, and that 
his work is not excelled even by artists in the larger cities. He 
was married May 16, 1877, to Miss Anna M. FuDer, of OtisviUe, 
Genesee County, formerly of Carlton Place, near Ottawa, Canada. 

William B. Williams, a native of Lawrence County, Pa., was 
born in 1849. Came to Michigan in 1869 and was a student at 
the University of Michigan. Graduated from the literarv depart- 
ment in 1873. From 1873 to 1875 Avas principal of the Lapeer 
High School. In 1875 returned to the university and graduated 
from the law department in 1877. Was appointed circuit court 
commissioner in 1877, elected in 1878, and held the office until 
January 1, 1881. In the fajl of 1882 was elected prosecuting at- 
torney. Was married to Miss Lucy White, a native of Lapeer, in 
1879. They have two children, sons. 

Henry A. Birdsall was born in 1845 at Rochester, Oakland 
County, Mich. Was educated at the academies in Rochester and 



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74 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



Lapeer. Attended one term at the law school of the Michigan 
University. Came to Lapeer in 1856. In 1863 he enlisted in the 
Eleventh Eegiment, Michigan Cavalry, and saw service with it until 
the war closed. Held the rank of orderly sergeant wh^a mustered 
out. Admitted to the har in 1871 and has practiced law since 
then. Has held the following offices: In 1867 was township clerk 
of Mayfield and Lapeer Townships; collector of taxes in Lapeer two 
years; circuit court commissioner four years, 1872-'76; was elected 
county clerk in 1875, previous to which he had been deputy clerk 
for four years. Has held the office continuously since, his last re- 
election being in the fall of 1882. Was married in 1871 to Miss 
Kate E. Bentley, a native of Lapeer County. They have three 
children. 

Kev. Jonathan Alden Woodruff, who began home missionary 
work in the pine woods of Lapeer County in 1859, was born in Cov- 
entry, Conn., April 18, 1808. His father removed to Wayne, Ash- 
tabula County, Ohio, when **Alden" was about ten years of age, where 
he helped to clear and work his father's farm, meanwhile studying 
winters until he was nineteen. He then entered Hamilton College, 
N. Y., and at twenty-two graduated with the honor of delivering 
the philosophical oration". At Auburn Seminary he studied theology 
and was licensed to preach by the Black Kiver Association of 
northern New York. In 1831 he married Susanna, daughter of 
Kev. Jeremiah Osborn, by whom he had eight children, of whom 
Mrs. Marvin P. Grant Keyes, of Cedar Eapids, Iowa, is the sole sur- 
vivor. In 1845 he married Aurelia, daughter of Deacon Erastus 
Talcott, of Coventry, Conn., by whom he had five children, of whom 
Mrs. Sarah Bryce, Edward T. Woodruff and Emma A. Woodruff 
are living and reside in Lapeer. This most estimable lady died in 
the fiftieth year of her age, but is still remembered with great affec- 
tion by all who ever knew her. Her remains lie in Burnside with a 
neat marble slab to mark the place, bearing the inscription, "Her 
children shall rise up and call her blessed ; her husband also and he 
praiseth her." 

In 1872 he married Emma Griffith, who still survives him as 
Mrs. J. E. Holmes, of Manchester. The first eight years of his 
ministry were sj)ent in Ohio, and were divided between Warren, 
Madison, Kelloggsville and Wooster. In 1839 he removed to Eock 
Island, HI., where he formed the Firsfc Presbyterian Church of that' 
place. The Eock Island University was formed about that time of 
which he was elected chancellor. In 1845 he returned to Ohio and 
ministered to a church in Newton Falls two years. He was after- 
ward pastor of a church in Conneautville, Pa., following which he 
was principal of the Clean Academy, supplying the pulpit in Port- 
ville, N. Y., at the same time. He next ministered to a church in 
Conneaut, Ashtabula County, Ohio, from which place, after spending 
one summer with a church he had formed in Marquette, he removed 
his family in 1858 to Lapeer. Here he ministered one year to the 
First Presbyterian Church before entering upon his missionary work 
in Burnside, during which time an extensive revival took place 
which doubled the membership of the church. Speaking of his 
missionary field he says: "We are one of the pioneer families, 
the first having come but three years in advance. The impediments 
to our progress were such that we were three days reaching our for- 
est home after having come within two miles. Only they who have 
had to cut their track through dense forests with much *down tim- 
ber,' crossing swamps and small streams with a loaded wagon 
know what it is to pass over such roads. Our usual mode of going to 
meeting was this — Mrs. W. and two children on our Indian pony, 
myself leading him with hatchet in hand, sometimes through the 
untouched forest, except that I cut away the limbs and fallen trees 
that obstructed our way. Soon we could count a little church of 
fifteen members, and the following spring the way was opened to 



the enlargement of my field of labor. In a settlement six miles 
south I was called to officiate at the funeral of an Irish Presbyterian 
who had been crushed by a pine log. This introduced me to a 
company of poor but faithful disciples to whom I ministered for 
eight years. At first they proposed to unite wdth the church here 
and five came seven miles on foot, were examined and propounded 
for admission at the next communion. One member of session was 
absent, who, on his return, objected to their reception, which was a 
terrible blow to our prosperity. Other opportunities for enlarge- 
ment of my field of labor presented themselves, and were embraced, 
in the new settlements, though the task of reaching them was oft- 
times herculean; but with my French pony I was equal to any 
emergency in traveling." Much more of his pioneer experiences 
could be given but the foregoing will suffice, being an ample illustra- 
tion of an interesting epoch in the history of the church and of the 
participator. Eev. J. A. Woodruff closed a long and useful career 
on Sept. 26, 1876, at the age of sixty-eight years. His remains are 
buried in the cemetery at Imlay City w^here he died. Many touch- 
ing instances of his patience and fortitude in his sufferings and his 
unflinching adherence to what he believed to be right, as well as 
his unqualified trust and confidence in the Master whom he tried to 
faithfully serve, might be given but for want of space. A favorite 
text he often repeated was, "He knoweth our frame — he remem- 
bereth that we are dust." Fitting words to close this sketch are — 
"Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord. Yea, saith the spirit, 
and their works do follow them." 

Edwakd T. Woodruff was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., 
in 1853. His parents came to Michigan and settled in Lapeer in 
1858. He received a common school education in Lapeer and 
Flint, Has been a farmer, run a saw and grist-mill, taught school, 
etc. In 1880 was elected register of deeds for Lapeer County, and 
reelected in 1882. Married to Lena M. Van Wormer, of Lapeer 
City. They have two children, a son and daughter. 

Hon. Joshua Manwaring was born in the township of Spring- 
field, Burlington County, N. J., October 2, 1824, and was of 
English-French descent, his grandfather, John Manwaring, emi- 
grating from Lincolnshire, England, about the year 1760, where he 
left two sisters. He settled on the sea coast of New Jersey, near the 
present village of Barnegat, Ocean County, and on the breaking 
out of the Eevolutionary War, enlisted in a regiment; of militia, and 
marched down to New York to oppose the landing of the Hessians. 
After the capture of New York, he returned to his home and soon 
thereafter joined with others in forming a company to watch the 
Tories, who were numerous at that time, and continued in that 
service to the close of the war. In 1778 he married a French lady 
by the name of Esopus, raising a family of four sons and three 
daughters. Adam, the second son, and father of the subject of this 
sketch, was born January 8, 1783, and removed from Ocean to Bur- 
lington County, when a young man, where he married Miss Susan 
Piatt; the fruit of this union being a family of fourteen children, of 
whom the subject of this sketch was the tenth, and was born Octo- 
ber 2, 1824. With his parents he came to Michigan, arriving 
September 8, 1836, his father having purchased the John Sargent 
farm, in the township of Avon, Oakland County. There Joshua 
worked on the farm summers, attending the district school winters, 
and by dint of hard study acquired a good business education. At 
the age of twenty-one years he left the parental roof to seek his for- 
tune, in the far West, poor in purse, but with the never- to-be for- 
gotten blessing of his dear mother, who admonished him to be 
honest and industrious, and that success would follow him. He 
went to the then unorganized county of Montcalm, and assisted in 
clearing the land where the flourishing village of Greenville now 
stands, and helped to build the first frame house in the place for Abel 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEBE COUN.TY. 



75 



French. He also engaged with the firm of Myers & Burrell in 
building a saw-mill, which he assisted in running, and was engaged 
during the summer of 1846, in rafting and running lumber on the 
Flatt and Grand Eivers. In April, 1846, he attended the first town- 
ship meeting in Montcalm County, where he cast his first vote. 
The entire county at that time was organized into one township and 
attached to Ionia County for judicial and county purposes. The 
township meeting was held at the Lincoln Mills, and about twenty- 
three votes polled, Mr. Man waring voting the Whig ticket. In the 
fall of 1846, he engaged with Nelson Eobinson to run the Belden 
Mill on Flatt Kiver, where he continued during the following winter 
to the satisfaction of his employer, and in the spring of 18 i7, in 
company with Charles Heacox, engaged in rafting lumber from the 
mills, then known as the Dickson Mills — now Kidville Mills — 
which they successfully performed, but meeting with many hard- 
ships before reaching the mouth of Grand Kiver. The consequences 
were that Mr. Man waring was attacked with that pest of the pioneer 
—fever and ague — which caused him to resolve to return to his 
former home in Oakland County. Nofc being successful in getting 
the money for his work, he purchased a team of horses and a 
wagon of Thomas Myers, paying the purchase price in negotiable 
notes, part of which were against Myers himself. He then started 
on his journey, going via Lansing, where the capital of the State 
had been located the previous winter by the legislature in session at 
the old capitol building in the city of Detroit. Arriving at the new 
seat of government, he found parties clearing off the timber prepara- 
tory to erecting the capitol building, which has since been destroyed 
by fire. The place was over-run with adventurers and speculators 
from all parts of the State, and he found it impossible to get accom- 
modations for the night, and was obliged to sleep in his wagon 
wrapped in his blankets. The following morning he left the little 
village of smoking huts and log heaps little thinking that thirty- six 
years after he would return to a beautiful capital as the honored 
senator from the Sixteenth District. He rem lined but a short time 
at home after his arrival, and in August, 1817, engaged to work on 
the academy or high school then building at Rochester, Oakland 
County. Again leaving the county he went to the township of Dryden, 
Lapeer County, and engaged with his brother-in-law, the Hon. John 
M. Lamb, in the mercantile business, which he continued for two 
years when he engaged in business for himself, erecting buildings 
for the purpose. He was married December 5, 1852, to Miss Emily 
E. Ross, daughter of Jacob Ross of Mason, Cass County, Mich., 
who has contributed, both in intelligence and industry, an equal 
share with himself in acquiring a competence which both of them 
have justly earned and now enjoy. In 1853 he decided to engage 
in lumbering and with that purpose in view purchased a tract of 
pine land in the township of Attica, Lapeer County, upon which he 
erected a mill in partnership with Munroe Fuller, which they con- 
tinued one year when he purchased Mr. Fuller's interest and con- 
tinued the business himself in the Red Mill, familiarly known as the 
Manwaring Mill. He continued the manufacture and sale of lum- 
ber, lath and shingles for many years, supplying the immediate 
vicinity as well as the adjacent counties of Oakland, Macomb and 
St. Clair, keeping on hand a full assortment of all kinds of lumber, 
until it was a common saying — '' Go to Manwariug's Mill and you 
can get anything you want." In 1858 he rented his mill to 
A. Hovey of Oxford, and April 7, 1859, in company with %nq others 
started on a trip to the Rocky Mountains in search of health, wealth 
and adventure. The company comprised William Qutermas, Will- 
iam Emmons, Dr. E. A. Hebord, Charles Brainard and Aaron Moe, 
all old pioneers of Dryden, Lapeer County. Going by the way of 
Omaha, up the Platte River by team, and across the plains, they 
finally, after a tedious journey, encamped on the ground where the 



city of Denver now stands, and were among the first to arrive 
there. From there they went to the mountains where Central City 
is now located, and returned by the way of Denver, south through 
the ** Garden of the Gods," and west into the Park, where the 
Indians were hostile, lying in ambush to cut off stragglers, many 
losing their lives during 1859. After many months of tedious travel 
and perilous adventure in the Rocky Mountains, spiced with narrow 
escapes from the Indians, they started on their way home going 
down the Platte River a pirt of the way on a flat boat built for the 
purpose. About two hundred miles east of the mountains the water 
failed and they were obliged to abandon their boats in that portion 
of Colorado known as the Desert, and proceeded on foot, a distance 
of six hundred miles, to the nearest settlement on the eastern 
borders of Nebraska. The journey occupied six weeks, during 
which time they endured many hardships, interspersed with reckless 
buffalo hunts and narrow escapes sufficient to satisfy the cravings 
of the best specimens of " Young iVmerica" desirous of going West. 
Arriving at Omaha they proceeded down the Missouri River to St. 
Joseph, and thence by rail to Detroit and home, where they were 
welcomed by their families and friends. 

Mr. Manwaring then decided to devote his time strictly to busi- 
ness in future, and accordingly started a branch store at Imlay, 
where he furnished the lumbermen and others with supplies. He 
was also engaged at the time in mercantile business in Dryden, and 
soon after in Imlay City, being engaged in lumbering in Sanilac 
County, as one of the firm of Lamb, Manwaring & Co. At the 
same time he was manufacturing and selling large quantities of 
lumber, lath and shingles at his mill in Attica. January 12, 1871, 
he removed with his family to Lapeer City, where he purchased 
land and now resides. His farm is one of the best improved in the 
county, and he has erected the Manwaring Block and a number of 
dwelling-houses. In 1874 his mills in Attica were burned, and he 
has since improved the land he formerly lumbered from, converting 
it into well tilled farms that "blossom as the rose," where heretofore 
were stumps and forests. These farms lie one mile south of the 
village of Attica, on the Grand Trunk Railway. He is now engaged 
in lumbering on the Au Sable in the county of Alcona, Lake Huron 
Shore. Mr. Miiiwaring's political history dates from his connec- 
tion with the Whig party until the collapse of that party, when he 
joined the Republican party on its formation, and during the war 
was active in helping to send men to the front, contributing both 
time and money freely for that purpose, not forgetting the wives 
and children left behind. He furnished them with supplies on re- 
lief orders furnished by the authorities, without recompense for his 
time and trouble, and otherwise aiding the cause of his country, 
not being situated so as to go to the front himself. After his re- 
moval to Lapeer City he was induced to accept the offise of super- 
visor for the First District, which he filled creditably, and was also a 
member of the school board. In the fall of 1871 he attended the 
Liberal Republican convention held at Grand Rapids, which nomi- 
nated the Hon. Austin Blair for governor. The Liberal Republi- 
can party proving a failure, he, in 1876, was induced to accept the 
nomination of State senator from the Democrats, but was defeated. 
Was again nominated in 1878, and again failed, as he also did in 
1880, in a contest with the Hon. John T. Rich for representative. 
With characteristic determination and perseverance he again ac- 
cepted the nomination from the combined Democratic and Green- 
back parties for the sixteenth senatorial district, and was elected by 
the handsome majority of 800 over his competitor, the Hon. Wm. 
W. Andrews, of Macomb County. In the senate Mr. Manwaring 
has taken an interest in all measures brought before that body, and 
is chairman of the committee on Michigan Institution for the Deaf 
and Dumb, and is a member of the committees on lumber interests, 



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HISTOEY OF L^PEEE COUNTY, 



agricultural college, horticulture and public buildings. Senator 
Manwaring belongs to that class of eminently useful men who have 
helped to develop the wonderful resources that nature has so lavishly 
bestowed upon the peninsular State. Comiog to it poor as regards 
this world's goods, but bringing stout hearts and willing hands, suc- 
cess has perched on their banners and they are surrounded with hon- 
ors, friends and wealth. The great commonwealth can well be 
proud of such men, as through them have her great industries been 
developed, and upon such does her future greatness depend. Mr. 
and Mrs. Manwaring have five children; one son, George E., resid- 
ing at Imlay City, and four daughters, Lilla, wife of Joseph Arm- 
strong, merchant, Lapeer City; Corena, wife of H. E. Hatch, hard- 
ware merchant, Lapeer City; Lavango, wife of Daniel W. Johnson, 
railroad agent, Lapeer City, and Dell, now living at home. With 
their children all settled near them and enjoying the comforts of a 
fine home, Mr. and Mrs. Manwaring can look back over their thirty- 
one years of wedded life and feel that they have been well spent. 
As a prominent and leading citizen ; as an active and representative 
legislator, Senator Manwaring is well known throughout the State. 

Hon. Joseph B. Mooke was born in Commerce, Oakland County 
Mich., Nov.3, 1845, and received his education at Hillsdale Col- 
lege and in the law departiient of the University of Michigan. He 
came to Lapeer Cifcy in 1869 and was admitted to the practice of 
law in October of the same year, which profession he has since fol- 
lowed. He was elected circuit court commissioner for Lapeer 
County, and in the spring of 1874 was elected mayor of Lapeer 
City, and also prosecuting attorney for the county, which position 
he retained two years. In 1878 was elected State senator from the 
Twentieth District, comprising the counties of Lapeer and Macomb. 

Alfeed Hallock was born in Burlington, Vt., in 1821, and 
when nine years of age came with his parents to Michigan. They 
at first settled in Wayne County, where, after a residence of four 
years, they removed to Genesee County, remaining thereuntil 1872, 
v/hen he came to Lapeer and learned the carpenter's trade, which 
he has followed the greater part of his life. He has, for the past 
ten years, been engaged in the manufacture of pumps, which have 
found a ready sale in and about Lapeer City. In Grand Blanc, 
Genesee County, Mr. Hallock held the office of supervisor for eight 
years, and also one year in Lapeer, and has been a justice of the 
peace eleven years. He was married in 1850 to Miss Alice £. Smith, 
of Dutchess County, N. Y. They have two daughters. 

Stephen H. Smith was born in Niagara County, N. Y., in 1830, 
and in early life came withliis parents to Michigan. The death of 
his father occurring soon thereafter, he went to live with his uncle. 
In 1849 he purchased a farm in Lapeer County, upon which he re- 
sided eight years, when he disposed of it and engaged in lumbering. 
In 1872 he commenced the manufacture of shingles, which he has 
continued to the present time, having an expensive mill near Lapeer 
City, in which he employs, on an average, thirteen men during 
the year. He was married in 1857 to Miss Louisa P. Parsons, a 
native of Livingston County, Michigan. They have two daughters. 

John B. Hough was born in Bozrah, New London County, Ct., 
in 1809, and lived with his parents on a farm until he reached 
twenty-one years of age. He continued farming in that vicinity for 
four years thereafter, when he came to Michigan and settled in the 
township of Almont, Lapeer County. He took up from the gov- 
ernment 160 acres of land, upon which he resided until 1869, when 
he was elected probate judge, which position he held until 1881. 
He has also held other important offices, including supervisor four 
years, justice of the peace twenty- two years and deputy internal 
revenue collector and assessor. He was married in 1853 to Miss 
Sarah S. Palmer, a native of Connecticut. Mr. Hough settled in 
Almont the year the township was organized. 



G. F. Demokest was born in Troy, Mich., in 1847, and moved 
with his parents to Elmira, N. Y., when two years of age, and re- 
sided there eleven years, when he came to Michigan and located in 
Oakland County, where he remained till 1863. He then enlisted in 
the First Michigan Cavalry and served until June, 1865, when here- 
turned to Oakland County, and commenced to learn the trade of 
marble-cutting, at which he worked in different localities in the 
State till 1870, when he came to Lapeer and worked for Mr. Wilson 
about six months, when he formed a partnership under the firm 
name of Mills & Demorest, Mr. Wilson retiring. This firm contin- 
ued tin 1873, when Mr. Tucker took the place of Mr. Mills and the 
firm was then known as Tucker & Demorest until 1883, when Mr. 
Demorest assumed exclusive control of the business, which is cut- 
ting and furnishing marble and stone to order. His business place 
is on Nepessing Street, He was married in 1874, to Miss Susie E. 
Harrison, of Lapeer, and has one child, a son. 

George Donaldson was born in Woodstock, Ont., in 1849, and 
came to Michigan in 1865, locating in Lapeer. He is the proprie- 
tor of an extensive meat market on the north side of Nepessing 
Street near First Nationa^l Bank, and is largely engaged in droving, 
shipping and dealing in live stock. He also owns ninety-six acres 
of land two miles east of the city. He was married in 1880 to 
Miss Nancy McClary, of London, Ont. 

EoBERT B. CoNKLiN was bom in Stark, Herkimer County, N. Y., 
in 1823, and came West at an early day. He first settled in Mc- 
Henry County, 111., taking up land from the government, and sub- 
sequently purchased and resided upon an improved farm. In 1854 
he came to Lapeer County and bought a farm in the township of 
Almont, where he lived several j^ears, when he removed to the town- 
ship of Mayfield. In 1863 he bought a farm three miles from La- 
peer City, where he resided till 1872, when he became a resident of 
Lapeer, where he has since lived. He was married in 1842 to Miss 
Kachel Chapel, of Otsego County, N. Y. At present Mr. Conklin 
owns 160 acres of pine and farming lands in Oscoda County. 

Dr. E. G. Douglass was born in Oakland County, Mich., in 
1839, where he grew up to manhood, and where he continued to 
reside till 1863, when he commenced the study of his profession 
with his brother. Dr. I. Douglass, in Romeo, Mich. He continued 
his studies with him two and one-half years, when he came to La- 
peer and commenced the practice of dentistry, which he has con- 
tinued up to the present time. Dr. Douglass became a member of 
the State Dental Association in 1867, and to day, 1883, has the 
most extensive and oldest established dental practice in the county. 
He was married in 1861 to Miss J. H. Snyder, who was born m 
Lower Canada. They have two children, Edith G., born November 
4, 1869, and Elton G., born August 9, 1876. 

Milton A. Van Wagoner w^as born in Oakland County, Mich., 
in 1844, and after attending the common schools in the locality, he 
entered the school at Clarkson, where he graduated. He then went 
to Ann Arbor, where he attended school a year and a half, when he 
returned to Oakland County and taught school several terms in that 
and Genesee Counties. He then turned his attention to the sale 
of musical instruments in Goodrich, Genesee County, for a short 
time, when he came to Lapeer, in 1874, and since that time has 
continued the sale of all kinds of musical instruments in this and 
adjoining counties. 

Ira H. Butterfield was born in Gainesville, N. Y., in 1812, 
and came to Michigan in 1838. He settled in Utica, where he en- 
gaged in farming, milling and manufacturing. In 1866 he came to 
Lapeer and purchased land on Saginaw Street, upon which he still 
resides. About the same time he bought a grist-mill near his farm, 
which he owned and operated up to 1877. Mr. Butterfield repre- 
sented Macomb County in the State senate one term, Lapeer 



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MRS. J-MANWARINO 





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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



77 



County forming a part of the distiict, and has held the office of su- 
pervisor two terms. He was married in 1839 to Miss Eachel Mc- 
Neil, of New Hampshire, who died in 1846. Was again mar- 
ried to Misr> Ahce W. McNeil, of the same State, but was living in 
Lowell, Mass. He has five children, three sons and two daughters. 

Frederick Lincoln was born in Bangor, N. Y., in 1845, and 
came to Michigan in 1860. He first located in Port Huron, where 
he remained till 1873, following sailing as an occupation, when he 
came to Lapeer, and has been engaged in the grocery trade and 
milling; at present has charge of K. G. Hart's elevator and grist- 
mill. He was married in 1874 to Miss Kate M. Hart, daughter of 
E. G. Hart, and has two children, a son and a daughter. 

Nelson Miles was born in Grand Rapids, Mich. When three 
years old he moved with his people to Schoharie County, N. Y., and 
three years thereafter to Watertown, N. Y. He attended the public 
schools and institute, and in 1865 came to Michigan, his father buy- 
ing and settling upon the farm he (Nelson Miles) noAV owns in La- 
peer City. He was married in 1877 to Miss Florence Lawton, of 
the State of New York, and has one daughter. 

Forest Hadley was born in Essex County, N. Y., in 1845, and 
in 1850 went with his parents to Wisconsin, where they remained 
till 1874, when they oame to Michigan and settled in the township 
of Lapeer, Lapeer County. In 1876 he engaged in farming for 
himself in the same township, but afterward went to the tov/nsliip 
of Deerfield. In the spring of 1882 he came to Lapeer and located 
on Mill Street, where he has since resided. He was married in 
1881 to Miss Lizzie E. Moore, a daughter of one of the older resi- 
dents of the township of Lapeer. 

Horace E. Hatch was born in what is now Lapeer City, in 1852. 
He attended the schools in the place, and afterward graduated at 
Goldsmith's Commercial College, Detroit, Mich., following which he 
accepted a clerkship in Wliite & Brown's hardware store, where he 
remained eight years, the firm changing three times during that 
period. He finally took the management of the business for E. C. 
White, whom he bought out in 1881, since which time he has car- 
ried on an extensive hardware business ; is located in the Opera 
House Block, Nepessing Street. He was married in 1880 to Miss 
Corena Man waring, daughter of Senator Manwaring, of Lapeer, and 
has one child. 

Frank Thompson was born in Lapeer County in 1861. His 
first business venture was in Hadley, where he engaged in hotel 
keeping one year. In 1882 he and his father (A. M. Thompson) 
bought out the well equipped livery stable in Lapeer, on Park Street. 
His father retiring in December, 1882, he then assumed full control 
and management of the largest business in that line in Lapeer 
County. He was married in 1881 to Mattie Geer, of Lapeer, and 
has one child. 

H. D. Pike was born in Washington County, N. Y., in 1839, 
and came to Michigan in 1856. He stopped three years in Detroit 
and two years in Oakland County, when he came to Lapeer and 
soon thereafter engaged in mercantile pursuits, first with the firm 
of Emmons '& Pike, and afterward with Pike Bros. He was next 
engaged in a grist-mill two years, and is at present a partner in the 
firm of Milliken & Co., dealers in dry goods and general merchan- 
dise. He owns 330 acres of land on sections 28 and 29, in the 
township of Mayfield ; has held the office of supervisor three years 
and alderman several years. He was married in 1864 to Miss Alice 
Lathrop, of Mayfield, Lapeer County, daughter of Horace M. 
Lathrop, one of the pioneers of that township. Mr. Pike has 
one son. 

Jeremiah Earl (deceased) was born in the State of New York 
about the year 1804, and came to Michigan in 1850. In his 
younger days he learned the blacksmithing trade, which he followed 



to the end of his life. He was married to Miss Harriet Evans, of 
New York, whom with two sons and one daughter still survive him. 
His death occurred in 1854. 

E. K. Earl, son of Jeremiah Earl, was born at Little Falls, N. 
Y., in 1845, and in 1850 came with his parents to Michigan. In 
early life he learned the mason's trade, which he followed till 1875, 
when he engaged as a cierk and traveling salesman for a Lapeer 
firm, with whom he continued three years. In 1877 he purchased 
the farm where he now resides, and soon thereafter moved upon it. 
He was married in 1865 to Miss Helen Shafer, who died in 1873, 
and was married to his present wife, Sarah Prindle, of Eochester, 
Mich., in 1876. They have two children. 

GrEORGE B. Gregory was born in Chenango, N. Y., in 1831, 
and in 1851 came to Lapeer via stage from Buffalo to Detroit 
and entered the employ of J. B. Hart as clerk in his general store. 
In 1854 the firm of Davis & Gregory was formed for the purpose of 
engaging in the manufacture of doors, sash and blinds and a gen- 
eral lumber and planing-mill business, and existed for twenty-four 
years without change, with the exception of one year, when Kobert 
King took an interest. In the meantime Mr. Gregory clerked for 
Mr. Jennings in his store from 1860 to 1865, when Tuttle and 
Gregory established a mercantile branch to their business, Mr. 
Gregory taking charge of the same. In 1878 the partnership was 
dissolved, Mr. Gregory taking the store and Mr. Tuttle the lumber 
and mill business. In 1882 Mr. Gregory sold out and retired from 
business. He was married in 1854 to Miss Mary E. Tuttle, of 
Lapeer. 

James C. TmcKSTiNE was born in Crawford County, Pa., in 
1837, and while a young man learned the carpenter's trade, which 
he followed for several years, and was also engaged in the oil busi- 
ness four years. About the year 1868 he came to Michigan and 
located in Genesee County, where he remained two years, when he 
came to Lapeer and organized the Farmers' iVssociation and Fire 
Insurance Company, and soon thereafter engaged in the wholesale 
lumber and shingle trade, with location at present near the Grand 
Trunk Station. He was married in 1881 to Miss Samantha E. 
Smallidge, of Lenawee County, Mich. 

William Lofft was born in England in 1837, and emigrated to 
Canada in 1857. When a young man he learned the blacksmith's 
trade, which he has since followed. He lived in Goderich, Huron 
County, Ont., six years, and in 1863 came to Lapeer, where after 
working at his trade two years he established himself in the business 
of general blacksmithing, his present location being on Fox Street. 
He was married to Miss Margaret Sloan, of Kingston, Ont., in 
1862, and has two children. 

Francis McElroy was born in 1841 at Gait, Ont. His parents 
came to Detroit in 1847, where they lived about seven years. 
Afterward lived in St. Clair County, in this State, and also at Bay- 
field, Wis. In 1861 he enhsted in the Fifth Michigan Infantrv 
and served through the war. His regiment was in the Army of the 
Potomac, and he wears the "Kearney Cross" for gallantry in action. 
Came to Lapeer in 1865 at the close of the rebelHon, and is now in 
business as a baker and confectioner. Is also engaged in farming. 
Married Miss Annie Carrigan, of Port Huron, in 1865. They have 
four children. He was the first city collector of Lapeer, has also 
been an alderman, and is now^ (1883) supervisor for the first city 
district, being his third term in that office. 

Ward H. Jennings was born at Leeds, about fifty miles from 
Portland, Me., in 1824. Had a common school and academic 
education. Came to Michigan in June, 1845. Engaged in the 
manufacture of wagons, plows, boots, shoes, etc., at Eochester, 
Oakland County. Eeturned to Maine in 1848 and remained there 
three and a half years, during which time he got married to Myra 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



P. Parcher. Again came West and went into mercantile business 
with his brother at Rochester, Mich. In 1853 they also engaged 
in trade in Lapeer, Mr. W. H. Jennings making it his place of 
residence ever siace. The firm continued until 1874. A new con- 
cern called Jennings & Son succeeded to the Lapeer part of the 
business. Li 1876 he built a grist-mill, and after operating it two 
years sold it. Had previously rented a mill which was burned 
down in 18 — . Has been president of the village corporation, mem- 
ber of the council, etc. Has two children, a son and daughter. 
The daughter is married and lives in Massachusetts, and the son is 
his business partner. In addition to the foregoing he is an ex- 
tensive owner of and dealer in real estate. 

Hon. Jajsies Turrill (deceased) was born in Bhoreham, Vt., 
September 24, 1797. Leaving his father's farm at the age of 
twenty-one he engaged in a general mercantile business in his 
native town and in Bridgeport in the same county. He pursued 
his mercantile labors in the two places mentioned with very gratify- 
ing and remunerative results until 1886, when he came to Michigan 
and invested extensively in lands at and near Lapeer. Returning 
to Vermont he continued his business until 1842, when he moved 
his family, consisting of wife and eight children, three sons and five 
daughters, and located in the village of Lapeer. Here he again 
turned his attention to mercantile affairs, deahng largely in real 
estate at the same time. Success attended his efforts, and after a 
lapse of thirteen years he retired from active business and gave his 
attention to the cultivation of his farms and the management of his 
pine land, interests. He was for some time a member of tbe bank- 
ing firm of R. G. Hait & Co. and was one of the directors of the 
Port Huron & Lake Michigan Railroad, now called the Grand Trunk, 
having aided largely with his means and advice at a time when 
others were quite discouraged in getting it completed from Port 
Huron to Flint. After that was done he retired from the director- 
ship at his own request; but remained active and efficient in the 
work. Although Mr. Turrill was never ambitious for public life, 
still his fellow^ citizens saw fit on several occasions to place him in 
positions of honor and trust. He was several times elected one of 
the trustees and afterward president of the village of Lapeer, and 
upon its incorporation as a city was chosen its first mayor. He 
was also elected to the house of representatives of the State legisla- 
ture in the fall of 1848, and served in that body during the sessions 
of 1848 and 1849. During the war he took an active part in 
putting down the rebellion, and his eldest son, Captain J. Henry 
Turrill, a brave and noble hearted officer of the Seventh Michigan 
Infantry, lost his life at the battle of Antietam. Mr. Turrill was a 
man of strict integrity, liberal in the support of religious and 
charitable institutions, and gave with a free hand to the poor and 
needy. He died July 31, 1876. 

George N. Turrill was born in 1833 in Bridgeport, Addison 
County, Vt., and came to Lapeer with his parents in 1842, and has 
since been a resident of the county. In early manhood he was 
employed in his father's store, but since that time has been a 
farmer. He now owns farms on sections 5, 7 and 8 in the town- 
ship of Lapeer, but resides on the old homestead in the city of 
Lapeer. He was mariied in 1862 to Miss Paulina Vosburg, who 
was born in Columbia County, N. Y. They have three children 
living. 

Henry K. WmxE was born in 1820 at South Hadley, Mass. 
Came to Lapeer Township in 1833. His mother brought her 
family, consisting of five sons and three daughters, the father being 
dead, and they went on a farm. In his early days he sailed for a 
number of years, during which he was on the Pacific coast, and 
visited Cahfornia, Washington Territory, etc. In 1871 he became 
the first cashier of the newly organized First National Bank of 



Lapeer, and of which he is now (1883) president. Previously was 
in the banking business with his brother, the late E. J. White. In 
1861 he raised Company F, First Michigan Cavalry, and was captain 
of it. He was compelled to resign on account of physical disability. 
He was married in 1866 to Miss Jane Wrigglesworth. They have 
four children. 

Myron B. Smith was born in the town of Kent, Litchfield 
County, Conn., November 30, 1811. When but a few months old 
he was taken to Oneida County, N. Y., setthng there in 1812, and 
where he remained until he was twenty-one years of age. The 
year of the Black Hawk war he went West. As an assistant to an 
uncle of his, who was a government surveyor, he followed the old 
Sauk trail from Chicago to the Mississippi River. Was gone about 
six months. They then came to Michigan and surveyed Sanilac, 
Huron and Tuscola Counties before a single settler had penetrated 
that section of this State. Went then to Pontiac and remained 
eighteen months. In 1836 helped to make the first survey of 
southern Iowa, remaining about six months. He then returned 
and worked at the trade of a carpenter for two years. In 1839 
settled in the village of Lapeer. When he passed through here 
first, in 1834, there were only about six houses in the place and a 
saw-mill. He has followed the trade of . a carpenter the greater 
part of his life. Has held the following offices since in Lapeer 
County: Register of deeds several years, county treasurer six years, 
deputy county clerk, justice of the peace, etc. He was married in 
1844 to Mrs. Walker, whose maiden name was Mary A. Dexter. 
They have one child, a son, who is employed at the depot of the 
Detroit & Bay City Railway. Lapeer was surveyed and located as 
the county seat by S. V. R. Trowbridge, G. 0. Whittemore and 
Harvey D. Parke, the latter of whom was his uncle, and who died at 
Pontiac in 1879. 

Sardis B. Marshall w^as born in Alden, Genesee County, N. Y., 
in 1827. Came to Michigan w^ith his parents in 1836. They set- 
tled in Almont, Lapeer County, and went to farming. In 1869 he 
came to Lapeer village and went into the hotel business. Had kept 
one in Almont, previously, besides carrying on a farm. At Lapeer 
he bought the "Northern Exchange" and rebuilt it, calling it the 
''Marshall House." Kept it tw^o years and sold it. Rented it in 1877 
and again ran it until May, 1881. In September, 1882, bought the 
''Abram House," and is now landlord of that well-known hostelry. 
Was an alderman while living iu Almont. Married in October, 
1853, to Celestia Smith, who died in 1860, and by whom he had 
two children, one of whom, an only daughter, is living. Married 
again in September, 1861, to Jane A. Ferguson, by whom he has had 
three children, of whom only one, a daughter, survives. 

Hon. Myron C. Kenny, M. D., was born in Perry, Genesee 
County, N. Y., in 18^3. Came to Michigan in 1842. Commenced 
the study of medicine with Dr. Dennis Cooley at Washington, Ma- 
comb County, in 1844. Attended lectures in Cleveland, 0. Passed 
an examination before a board of censors at Almont, Michigan, and 
was authorized to practice. Commenced practice at Lapeer in 1846. 
In pubhc hfe Dr. K. has held the following positions: Member of 
the State legislature in 1865-66; member of the constitutional con- 
vention in 1867; mayor of the city of Lapeer two years; alderman, 
school inspector and, for over twenty years, a member of the board 
of education. Was married in 1850 to Ann Eliza Turrill. They 
have two children living. 

Charles W. Brown was born in Nassau, Rensselaer County, 
N. Y., in 1819. His parents were farmers and he was brought up 
on a farm. When sixteen years of age he went into a store in the 
village of Nassau, remaining there until he was twenty-one years of 
age. He then went to Monroe County, N. Y., where he remained 
till 1842, when he removed to Lapeer County, Michigan, where he 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



79 



has since resided. Li^?ed at Farmers Creek from 1845 to 1881. 
Has been a farmer most of the time, but was also in the mercantile 
business and manufactured potash. Was a justice of the peace and 
school inspector in Metamora. Elected judge of probate in 1880, 
and re-elected in 1882. Since holding this office has lived in La- 
peer City. Married in 1845 to Susan E. Cressey, a native of New 
Hampshire. They have three children, one daughter and two sons. 
One son is a farmer in Metamora Township, the other is a grad- 
uate of West Point and is now lieutenant in the United States army. 

Hon. Lord W. Hinivian was born in 1838, at Koyalton, Niagara 
County, N. Y. His parents came to Lapeer County in 1835. He 
was brought up on a farm and was educated in the Lapeer common 
schools. In 1862 he enlisted in the Tenth Michigan Cavalry and 
served to close of the war. Was a first lieutenant when mustered 
out. Was a justice of the peace when he lived in Elba Township. 
Was elected mayor of Lapeer City ia April, 1883. Follows farm- 
ing. Was married to Cornelia A. Henderson, a native of New York 
State, who died in 1881. He has two children. 

Robert A. White was born in 1841, in Romeo, Macomb Coun- 
ty, Michigan, and was reared on a farm. In 1861 he went into the 
army, and was on the staff of Surgeon-Gen. J. K. Barnes, ranking 
as a first lieutenant. Held the position two years, when he was 
made assistant surgeon of the Thirty-ninth Regiment of U. S. col- 
ored troops, with which he renlained until the end of the rebellion. 
During the time he was in Washington, received medical instruc- 
tion at Georgetown College. Came to Lapeer County in 1866, liv- 
ing at Almont and Attica until 1878, when he removed to Lapeer 
City. Is now a jobbing contractor and builder, also a dealer in all 
kinds of building materials. Has been married twice; first, in 1861, 
to Elizabeth Plant, who died in 1865, and by whom he had one 
child; and again, in 1866, to Caroline Mentor, of Dryden, Lapeer 
County. They also have had one child. 

Jasper Bentley was born in Chenango County, N. Y., in 1826, 
and came to Michigan in 1844, locating at Fenton, Genesee County. 
Came to Lapeer County in 1848, settling at Hadley. Was a builder 
and contractor for a number of years, also caught school. Held 
the office of county clerk from Jan. 1, 1865, until 1876, inclusive — 
twelve years. Was mayor of Lapeer in 1872-73. Was clerk of Had- 
ley, and has been a school inspector for twenty years. In 1875 he 
was admitted to the bar and has since practiced law, being a mem- 
ber of the legal firm of Moore & Bentley. Was married to Julia 
Barnard, of Utica, N. Y., in 1846. They have two daughters liv- 
ing. 

John H. Palmer was born in 1888, at Akron, Ohio. Attended 
the academy at Spencer, 0., and the college at Hillsdale, Michigan; 
followed the vocation of a teacher in 1860-61. Enlisted in 1862 in 
the One Hundredtb Regiment Ohio Infantry, and served until March, 
1865. Ranked as a captain when mustered out. At-the close of the 
war went to Nashville, Barry County, Michigan. Lived there for a 
number of years, during which time he was county superintendent 
of schools. Came to Lapeer in 1874 as pastor of the Universalist 
society. Afterward studied law with Moore & Bentley. Admitted 
to the bar in 1878. Was for a time a member of the legal firm 
of Moore, Bentley & Palmer. Is now (1883) circuit court commis- 
sioner and clerk of Lapeer City. Married Emily Putnam, of Bridge- 
water, 0., in 1861. They have one child living — a daughter. 

William A. Jackson was born in 1816, near Scrooby, Notting- 
hamshire, England. Studied medicine in that country and was an 
assistant surgeon in the British navy. Emigrated to Canada in 
1837. Practiced his profession at Montreal, and also held the office 
of government messenger under Lord Sydenham. Returned to 
England in the winter of 1840-41. Remained a year and then came 
to the United States. Practiced medicine at Syracuse, Cicero, 



Cleveland, Oswego County, N. Y. Came to Lapeer in 1856, and 
has remained until the present time in active practice. Was a 
United States examining surgeon for fifteen years. Held the office 
of mayor of Lapeer in 1876. In 1874 went to Europe and visited 
the hospitals in London, Paris, &c. Was married in 1846 to Miss 
Amelia Stockdale, of Cicero, N. Y. Has three sons living, one of 
whom is practicing medicine with him. 

Seymour A. Manzer was born in 1847, m Huron, Wayne 
County, Mich. Commenced the study of medicine at Watrousville, 
Tuscola County, Michigan, in 1866. Commenced practice at Attica, 
Lapeer County, in 1871. Graduated from the medical department 
of the Michigan University in 1873. Practiced atWacousta, Mich., 
until 1882, when he removed to Lapeer. Married Flora Elliott, of 
Wayne County, in 1870. They have two children, a son and 
daughter. 

William McDonald was born in Kincardineshire, in the northeast 
of Scotland, in 1824. Learned the machinist trade at Glasgow. 
Came to the United States in 1848, and located in Detroit, where 
he worked in the machine shops of that city until he went to Romeo, 
Macomb County, where he was for a time in the employ of Holman 
& Farrar; afterward became a member of the firm. In 1866 came 
to Lapeer and bought an interest in the machine shop of Mr. New- 
ton, the firm being known as Newton &JMcDonald. The shops 
were burned down in 1872, shortly previous to which Mr. Mc- 
Donald had purchased his partner's interest. In 1873 built his 
present place of business. Was married in 1847 to Miss Margaret 
Shearer, of Glasgow, Scotland. They have had five sons and two 
daughters. The sons are all at work in their father's establishment. 
The daughters live in Texas. 

William N. Varnum was born in 1826, at Berlin, Waterloo 
County, Ontario. His parents came to Michigan and settled on a 
farm in Metamora, Lapeer County, in 1842. The son learned the 
trade of a blacksmith and followed it for twenty-five years in that 
township. In 1870 he removed to Lapeer and started a foundry, 
blacksmith and wagon-shop, to which he has added a furniture man- 
ufactory and undertaking establishment. In Metamora he was a 
supervisor for two years, and in Lapeer has been an alderman for 
eight years. Married Julia H. Russell in 1847. She was a native 
of New York State but a resident of Lapeer County at the time of 
her marriage. They have had a family of eight children, four of 
whom are now living. 

Arthur H. Thompson, M. D., was born in St. Thomas, Ont., 
in 1838, of American parentage. He commenced the study of 
medicine in his native place in 1855. From there he went to Lon- 
don, Ont., and was four years in the office of Dr. A. T. Bull. 
Afterward attended homeopathic colleges in Philadelphia and New 
York. Also took one course of lectures at'the Michigan University. 
He passed the homeopathic medical board of Canada in 1862, and is 
member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of that 
province. Previously, however, he had graduated at the New York 
homeopathic college. Practiced in St. Thomas and Stratford, Ont., 
for some years. Traveled for a time and settled in Lapeer in 1867, 
and has since been a successful practitioner in the city and county. 
Was married in 1873 to Miss Anna Dodge, a native of Vermont. 
They have two children. 

Greene &Rulison, dealers in clothing, gents' furnishing goods, 
etc., commenced business in Lapeer in 1880. The firm is composed 
of Edward C. Greene, and Charles W. Ruhson. They also have a 
branch store at St. Louis, Mich. — Edward C. Greene was born in 
1849, at Townsend, Middlesex County, Mass. When very young 
his parents removed to Red Creek, Wayne County, N. Y. He was 
educated in the academy at that place. He came West to West 
Bloomfield, Oakland County, Mich., in 1867. He taught school 






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HISTOKY OP LAPEEK COUNTY. 



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one term and then went into the employ of an auction and commis- 
sion firm at Pontiac. In 1869 he went to FHnt, and was in the 
employ of William L. Smith & Co., Smith & Bridgeman, and N. 
Davidson, until 1877. In that year he came to Lapeer as manager 
for a branch store belonging to Mr. Davidson. In 1880 he bought 
out that gentleman and the firm of Greene & Eulison was organ- 
ized. He was married in 187.5 to Ca-rrie E. Fairbank of Flint. 
She died in 1882. Two children survive her. — Charles W. 
Eulison, the other member of the firm, was born in Jefferson 
County., N. Y., in 1849. His parents came to Flint, Mich., in 
1849. He was educated in the schools of that city, and had one 
term at the Michigan University. In 1880 came to Lapeer and 
entered into business as a partner of E .C. Greene. Married in 1876 
to Miss Ella Lee, of Syracuse, N. Y. They have one child, a 
daughter. 

York T. Higley is a native of Vermont, and was born at 
Shoreham, Addison County, in 1826. His parents came to Lapeer 
County in 1833, bought land on what is now Lapeer Township, and 
cleared up a farm. The son, York T., has been a farmer all his 
days and is now living on the land purchased from the United 
States government by his father. Has held office as a drain com- 
missioner and justice of the peace. Married Cornelia D. Strong, a 
native of Massachusetts, but a resident of Lapeer County, at the 
time of her marriage, which took place in 1861. They have a 
family of six children living. 

WiLLL\M K. Wadsworth Was born March 12, 1827, in Butler, 
Wayne County, N.Y. Brought up on a farm in the town of Wolcott. 
in the same county, and followed that pursuit until 1865. In 1864 
came West to Lapeer County, locating in Oregon Township, where 
he farmed it for about a year, and then went to work as a carpenter 
and a joiner. Continued at that until 1873 when he commenced 
selling fruit and ornamental trees. He now represents the Geneva, 
New York, nurseries and deals in American and imported fruit and 
ornamental trees, shrubs, roses, grape-vines and small fruits. Eesi- 
dence on Bentley Street. Was married December 22, 1853, and 
has four sons, all of whom live in Lapeer. 

Eensselaer E. Tennant was born in 1826, at Leroy, Genesee 
County, N. Y. His youth was passed on a farm and his education 
received in the district schools. In 1840 he went to Herkimer 
County, N. Y., and lived on his uncle's farm for eight years. In 
1848 he went to Orleans County, and kept a hotel for twelve years. 
From 1848 to 1877 was in the hotel business in Brockport, Oak 
Orchard, and Saratoga, N. Y. In 1877 he came to Lapeer. For 
a time he kept the Park Hotel, near the Grand Trunk Eailway 
Depot. In 1882 leased the Donaldson House and changed the 
name to Tennant House. He was married in 1850 to Miss Ehza 
Young, of Herkimer County, N. Y. They have one child, a 
daughter. 

Martin J.Howard was born in the town of Jefferson, Schoharie 
Countv, N, Y., in 1826. In 1859 went West to Wisconsin, where 
he was a farmer. In 1870 came to Lapeer City, where he is now 
in the undertaking business. Was married in. 1856 to Miss 
Catherine McArthur of New York. 

Albert L. Gregory was born in 1837 at Hunt's Hollow, near 
Nunda, Livingston County, N. Y. Learned the trade of jeweler 
and watchmaker at Eushford, N. Y. Was in business at Cuba in 
the same State in 1861. Came to Michigan in 1867. Was at 
Flint for a time, and in 1868 removed to Lapeer, where he opened 
a watch, clock and jewelry establishment. Married to Miss Ellen C. 
Osborne of Eushford, N. Y. They have one child hving. 

Alexander McLennan was born in Kintail, Eosshire, Scotland, 
in 1832. Was educated at the schools in that place, also on the 
Island of North Uist. Went to the University of Edinburgh in 1850. 



Was there two and a half years. Came to the United States in 
1852. Lived for at time at St. Clair, Mich. After that taught 
school in Canada a few months, and then went to Detroit, where he 
was in the employ of T. & J. Hinchman, dealers in drugs, groceries, 
etc. Was in a grocery business in Pontiac for a time. In 1856 
came to Lapeer and engaged in general mercantile business. Was 
mayor of Lapeer in 1879-'80. Has also been president of the 
school board and member of the same a number of terms. Married 
to Eebecca Haddrill, a native of England, but at the time of her 
marriage a resident of Orion, Oakland County, in 1856. They have 
five children living. 

Benezett a. Tuttle was born in 1851, in the township of 
Almont, Lapeer County, Mich. Was educated in the common 
schools of the county, and graduated at Goldsmith's Commercial 
College in Detroit. In 1871 went into the employ of Tuttle & 
Gregory. In 1878 his father, who w^as the senior member of the 
firm, bought out Mr. Gregory's interest, and since that time the son 
has been manager of the retail lumber business. Has held the 
office of city collector for Lapeer, and in 1880-'81 Vas an alderman. 
In 1883 was again elected. Married in 1875 to Miss Ellen Bennett, 
from near Glen's Falls, N. Y., by whom he has one child, a 
daughter. 

Columbus Tuttle was born in 1829, in Cortland County, N. 
Y. His parents settled in 1836, in the township of Eay, Macomb 
County, Mich. The son learned the trade of a carpenter, which 
his father followed. In 1853 he came to Lapeer County. Ee- 
mained for a time in Almont, and then came to Lapeer. Since he 
has lived in this city he has been in the planing-mill and mercantile 
business. Was at one time in partnership with George B. Gregory. 
Served for a number of months in 1864-'65 on a United States 
gunboat, on the Mississippi Eiver. Has been an alderman several 
terms. In 1849 was married to Miss Eunice Hough of Connecticut. 
They have had six children, four of whom are living. 

William F. Daley is a native of Onondaga County, N. Y., 
having been born in the town of Fabius in 1832. His parents came 
to Lapeer Township in 1838. His education was acquired in the 
district schools and at the Eochester academy in Oakland County. 
In 1854 he commenced teaching and for six years taught township 
schools. He then farmed in Lapeer Township until 1873, when he 
became a resident of Lapeer City, and since that time has been in 
the fire and life insurance business. Has been an alderman, mem- 
ber of the city school board, and also held some township offices. 
Married Miss Harriet A. Tripp of Northeast, Cha itauqua County, 
N. Y. They have one child, a daughter. 

EsLi E. Eedfield was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., in 
1832. Came to Oakland County in 1844 with his parents. Learned 
the painters' trade. Enlisted in 1861 in the Tenth Eegiment 
Michigan Infantry, and remained in the service until the close of 
the war. Went in as a sergeant and came out as a captain. Ee- 
turned to Oakland County after the end of the war. Eemained 
there unti' 1879, during which time he was supervisor for Oakland 
Township six years. While in that county he was a farmer, but on 
removing to Lapeer in 1879, went into the flotiKP- mill business. In 
April, 1883, he was elected supervisor for the Second District of 
Lapeer City. He was married in 1866 to Miss Sarah M. Beebe of 
Monroe County, N. Y. They have three children. 

Charles L. Thatcher was born in Kendall, Orleans County, 
N. Y., in 1836. His parents came West in 1851, and located on a 
farm in Bloomfield, Oakland County, Mich. He lived there until 
1853, when he went to Pontiac and remained until 1872, part of the 
time in business for himself. That year he came to Lapeer and 
opened a book, news and stationery establishment. He has now, 
1883, two stores on 'Nepessing Avenue, one of which would be a 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY 



81 



credit to a much larger place tlian Lapeer. Was married in 1864 
to Miss Sophia G. Cook of Oneida County, N. Y. They have one 
child, a son. 

Geoege H. Caey was born in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1854. From 
there his parents removed to Hastings, Minn. In 1870 he was in 
the employ of the Grand Trunk Kailway Co., as cashier in the gen- 
eral ofi&ce at Port Huron, Mich., where he remtiined until 1874. 
He then took a position as station master at Imlay City, Lapeer 
County. In 1880 he came to Lapeer City as general ticket and 
freight agent for the same company. Was married in 1877 to Miss 
Lihie B. Mark of Imlay City. They have a son and daughter. He 
owns a residence on the corner of Church and Franklin Avenues. 
John 0. Smith was born in the city of Norwich, England, in 
1825. His parents came to Canada in 1831, where they lived for 
two years at Montreal. They afterward lived in Toronto and 
Chatham, also at Buffalo, N. Y. The father was a cabinet-maker, 
and the son learned the same trade. Lived for a number of years 
at Mineral Point, Watertown and other places in Wisconsin. Some 
of the time in trade for himself and at other times working at his 
trade. He came to Lapeer in 1858, and until 1870 worked at paint- 
ing and cabinet making. Went into the furniture trade then, and 
carries one of the largest and finest stocks in the city. In 1862 he 
enlisted in the First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics and served 
until the-'end of the war. Married to Mary C. Lovejoy, of New York 
State, in 1846. They have five children. 

John A. Buekger was born in 1827 in Bavaria, Germany, and 
came to the United States in 1850. Lived for a number of years 
in East Saginaw and Frankenmuth, Saginaw County, Mich., during 
w^hich he w^as engaged in the brewing business. In 1864 he enlisted 
in the Twenty-ninth Eegiment Michigan Infantry. Served until 
* the rebellion was crushed. Banked as a first lieutenant when musr 
tered out. Came to Lapeer in 1866 and built the ''City Brewery," 
and the "Farmer's Home" hotel. Among beer drinkers the beer 
made at his brewery is considered a very good article. He has 
had six children, by Anna M. S^jhelhis, a native of Saxony, Ger- 
many, to whom he was married in 1853. 

Arthur J. Gray was born in Oregon Township, Lapeer County, 
in 1855. His father was one of the first settlers in that township. 
He has been engaged for a number of years in mercantile business. 
Is a member of the firm of J. H. Gray & Son, dealers in groceries, 
provisions, boots, shoes, flour, feed, &c. Was married March 28, 
1875, to Eliza Storey, of Stratford, Ont. 

Charles J. Yorker, a farmer, was born in Lennox, Madison 
County, N. Y., in 1827, and was brought up on a farm. Came to 
Michigan in 1840. Worked for the lateE. J. White, of Lapeer, two 
years and then went to the Upper Peninsula, living at Eagle River, 
Copper Harbor, &c. Came back to Lapeer in 1863. While at 
Eagle River, held the offices of justice of the peace, town clerk, con- 
stable, &c. In 1849 was married to Mary G. Cion, a native of 
Germany, from near Coblentz. They have a family of ten children. 
Charles L. Yorker, the son of the foregoing, was born at 
Eagle River in 1854. In 1864 came to Lapeer and was on his 
father's farm until 1878. Educated at the Lapeer high school. Is 
now a dealer in organs, &c. 

Isaac I. Voorhies was born in Virginia in 1799; left his native 
State with his parents in 1804, settling in Seneca County, N. Y., 
where he remained until 1818; then went to Riga, N. Y., near 
Rochester, remaining about six years ; then came to Michigan ; took 
up from government 240 acres of land near Pontiac; improved the 
same; sold it, moved into the city of Pontiac; lived about five years, 
then came to Lapeer in 1867, where he has since hved ; was married 
in 1826 to Ann Merlin, of N. Y., who died in 1864; was married 
second time, 1867, to Jane E. Hovey, of Pontiac, Mich. When Mr. 



Voorhies came to this State, there were only about thirty houses in 
the city of Pontiac. Mr. Voorhies is one of a family of sixteen 
children, eleven of whom lived to adult age ; he is now the only 
surviving one of the family. 

Alexander W. Corey was born in Tioga County, Pa., in the 
year 1830, where he lived until the year 1849, when he came with 
his parents to Michigan, stopped a short time in Troy, Oakland 
County, then came to Lapeer, stayed a short time in the village of 
Lapeer, there being but two or three houses in this place at that 
time. His father then took up land three miles south of said place 
which he lived on until his death, which occurred in the year 1868. 
This farm is still in possession of the family. Mr. A. W. Corey 
lived on the farm until 1880, when he moved to Lapeer City and 
took charge of the gunsmith business located on Saginaw Street, a 
business he has been interested in about eight years. Was married 
in 1867 to Deborah R. Converse, of this city; has one daughter. 

James A. Hungerford, manufacturer of all kinds of wagops, 
carriages, sleighs, cutters, &c.; also keeps for sale wagons and car- 
riages of other manufacturers and does a general blacksmith busi- 
ness; shop is located on Saginaw Street. Was born in Saratoga 
County, N. Y., in 1835, where he lived until eighteen years of age, 
when he came to Lapeer and established himself in his present 
business with his father and continued about five years, when his 
father retired and he took whole charge of the business, and has 
continued ever since. Went into the war as member of regimental 
band for Ninth Cavalry ; remained four months ; after about one 
year enlisted in the Second Brigade band and served until the 
close of the war. Was married in 1864 co Adeline Gummerson, of 
Lapeer City; she was born in Canada. 

Edward D. Sgulley, of the firm of Sculley & Merson, black- 
smiths, was born in what is now the township of Mayfield, Lapeer 
County, Mich., in the year 1843, and lived on a farm in the same 
place with his parents until 1861, then came to Lapeer, learned the 
trade of blacksmith, commencing with a man by the name of Wood; 
worked afterward with a Mr. Bristol; was last in the employ of J. A. 
Hungerford. In 1872 commenced business for himself with a Mr. 
Quinn for two and one-half years ; then carried on business alone 
for eight years. In September, 1881, organized the present com- 
pany. Owns the homestead bought by his father from government 
under the administration of Van Buren, now consisting of 100 acres 
on section 27, Mayfield. His father's name was Patrick Sculley; 
was born in Ireland ; was one of the first settlers of Lapeer County. 
E. D. Sculley was married in 1867, to Helen R. Bushnell, of 
Lapeer; has two children, a son and a daughter. 

Ira Green, proprietor of Lapeer woolen mills, was born in 
Massachusetts in 1832; came when quite young to the State of New 
York, where he remained twenty years; came to Michigan in 1853; 
settled in Dexter; remained two years; was two years ui Ann Arbor; 
was three years in Jonesville, two years in Ypsilanti. Has been 
engaged from boyhood in the woolen business. At Ypsilanti, had 
charo-e of the Huron River mills for the firm of Wells & Bradley. In 
1867 came to Lapeer, bought an interest in the woolen mills at this 
place, was associated with Mr. Leavenworth; the firm name was 
Leavenworth & Green; the mill burned in 1868, then Mr. Green 
built a new mill and had M. J. Mills as a partner, which con ■ 
tinned three years, then Mr. G. Rood bought J. Mills' interest, 
tiien after one year Mr. Green went out, and shortly after the mill 
burned, then Mr. Green, in 1874, built the mill he now occupies, and 
lixs been domg a general custom business. Enlisted in 1861 in 
the Eighth Michigan Infantry; served two years and a half; was 
wounded in the battle of the Wilderness by a rifle ball, through the 
left lung; has never fully recovered from the wound. Was married 
in 1852 to Caroline Randall, who died in 1856; was married 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



the second time, to Susan S. Fish; has eight children, six sons and 
two daughters. 

Joel M. Palmer was ^ born in Vermont in the year 1804. Went 
with his parents to Pennsylvania when twelve years of age. Two 
years after went to Williamsport, Pa.; stayed six years; then went 
to Ohio, where he was engaged as cattle drover for several years, 
then came to Michigan in 1832. Met A. N. Hart in Detroit, came 
with him to Lapeer, worked for A. N. Hart six years, then settled on 
a farm on which he lived until his death and his widow still lives on 
the same farm. Was married in 1838 to Diantha Merlin, daughter 
of Samuel Merhn, of this county; his wife died in 1849; was mar- 
ried again same year to Mrs. Cady, whose maiden name was Susan 
Merritt, of Hillsdale, Columbia County, N. Y. Mr. Palmer chopped 
the first acre of land chopped in Lapeer County; the same was the 
site of the house of A. N. Hart. 

Calvin P. Thomas was born in the town of Pompey, Onon- 
daga County, N. Y., in 1834; went with his parents to Wyoming 
County, N. Y., in 1844; came to Michigan with his parents in 1847; 
settled in Metamora, Lapeer County. He attended school at Eomeo ; 
studied law with John M. Goot, of Ann Arbor, for one year; was 
then admitted to practice. Commenced the practice of law, at La- 
peer, in 1864. Was married in 1857 to Adeline E. Sherman, of 
Lapeer County. Has four children, three sons and one daughter. 

John J. Watkins was born in New York City in 1822, where, 
after receiving his education, he taught school from the age of four- 
teen till twenty- two years of age, when in 1844 he came to Michi- 
gan. After stopping a short time in Oakland County and a year 
and a half in Macomb County, he came to what is now the village 
of Hadley, Lapeer County,' and established a store — the first in the 
place — and an ashery and pearling works. He remained there 
about five years, when he sold out and bought a farm in the town- 
ship of Elba, which he still owns. After living on the farm five 
years he removed to Lapeer City and engaged in keeping books for 
the Harts. In 1854 he commenced business again for himself, do- 
ing a general mercantile and lumber trade, which he continued an- 
other five years, when he went to the township of Elba and built a 
grist and saw-mill, and purchased a tract of land, the greater part 
of which he still owns. He carried on business there up to 1863, 
when he retired. He was married in 1843 to Miss Anna E. Scott, 
of New York City, and has seven children, three sons and four 
daughters. Two of the sons are living in Dakota, and the other on 
the farm mentioned in Hadley. Mr. Watkins was one of the first 
organizers of the Eepublican party in Lapeer County, and about the 
year 1855 helped to start tlie first Eepublican paper. 

Fkkderick L. Henderson was born in the township of Lapeer, 
Lapeer County, Mich., in 1842, and is by occupation a carpenter 
and joiner. He worked at his trade in Lapeer several years, and in 
1864 enlisted in the First Michigan Cavalry, serving several months 
after the close of the war. He was with his regiment in the South 
and East, and after the war was stationed at Salt Lake City. In 
1874 he opened a grocery store and restaurant in Lapeer City, to 
which he added a bakery in 1883. He married Miss Maggie 
Cassidy, a native of Canada, in 1873, and has three children. 

A. W. Abbott (deceased) was born in Leveret, Conn., in 1808, 
where he lived until twenty*one years of age. He learned the tan- 
ner and currier's trade, which he worked at one year in Connecticut 
and four years in Ohio. In June, 1833, he came to Lapeer and 
took up 120 acres of government land, to which he afterward added 
forty acres, upon which his family still resides. After coming to 
Lapeer, he for a time worked at his trade, but gave more of his time 
to shoemaking, being the first to engan:e in that trade in this sec- 
tion. He was married in 1836 to Miss Martha L. White, of South 
Hadley, Mass., at Lapeer, theirs being among the first weddings 



celebrated in the vicinity. His death occurred in 1873*; his widow, 
two sons and two daughters survive him. 

Chester G. White was born in Lapeer in 1845. After attend- 
ing the schools of the place, and taking a commercial course in De- 
troit, he followed farming for a time, and in 1869 took a position in 
the banking house of White & Bro,, with whom he continued two 
years, when it was merged in the First National Bank, and he be- 
came its cashier, which position he has since retained. He was 
married in 1867 to Miss Lydia Pike, of Fort Edward, N. Y., and 
has two children, a son and daughter. Mr. White was mayor of 
Lapeer City in 1877 and 1878. 

Enoch J. White (deceased) was born in South Hadley, Mass., 
in 1814, and came to Lapeer County in 1833, and was for several 
years the government surveyor, and for a time a civil engineer in 
the employ of the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad. In 1840 he 
engaged with his brother, Phineas White, in the hotel business in 
Lapeer, which they continued until 1870. In 1856 he engaged in 
banking with Mr. Loomis, under the firm name of White & 
Loomis, which was changed on the death of Mr. Loomis to E. J. 
White & Bro., and subsequently was merged 'in the First National 
Bank of Lapeer. Mr. White was twice married, first to Miss Eliz- 
abeth W. Gay lord, of Old Hadley, Mass., and second to Miss 
Hannah Rood, who with seven children still survives him. His 
death occurred in May, 1878. 

Roger T. Walker was born in the city of Detroit in 1841, and 
came with his parents* to Lapeer in 1844. They located on a farm 
four and one-half miles south of Lapeer City, where he remained 
until twenty-two years of age, when he purchased a farm in the 
vicinity, upon which he resided up to 1873, when he sold out and 
moved into Lapeer City. He then engaged in the lumberings 
furniture, and foundry business, and at present is sole proprietor of 
an extensive saw-mill and bending works located on Saginaw Street, 
and owns an interest in the foundry and furniture factory carried on 
under the firm name of Varnum & Walker. Mr. Walker was 
married in 1863 to Miss Harriet L. Banghart, of Almont, Lapeer 
County, whose parents were among the first settlers there. They 
have three children, two sons and a daughter. 

George L. Smith was born in Camden, Oneida County, N. Y., 
in 1818, and in 1836 went to Lorain County, Ohio, and in 1840 
came to Lapeer County, Mich. Soon thereafter he purchased forty 
acres of new land in the township of Mayfield, and for a few years 
rented a farm. He then exchanged the forty acres for eighty acres 
in the fcownship of Oregon, upon which he resided up to 1865, when 
he sold out and bought a farm in Lapeer City, where he has since 
resided. He enlisted in the fall of 1862 in the First Michigan En- 
gineers and Mechanics, but on account of sickness was discharged 
and sent home about six months thereafter. In 1843 he was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary T. Simms, who died in 1844, leaving one child. 
He was a second time married, in 1845, to Miss Harriet M. Hughson, 
who died about 1864, leaving three children, and was a third time 
married, to his present wife, Mrs. Levi Smith, whose maiden name 
was Elizabeth Wrigglesworth, of English birth, and by whom he 
has three children. 

Robert L. Taylor was born in Almont, Lapeer County, Mich., 
where he attended the common schools. In 1862 he entered the 
University of Michigan and continued his studies in the literary 
department three years. He then engaged in mercantile business 
about two and one-half years, when he returned to Ann Arbor and 
studied law one year, and in the fall of 1869 was admitted to the 
bar at Pontiac, before Judge Dewey. He practiced law^ in Aimont 
till 1873, was elected register of deeds in the fall of 1872, and the 
following year moved to Lapeer City. He was re-elected in 1874, 
serving two terms, and has since given his attention to the practice 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTt. 



83 



of his profession. In 1880 was elected prosecuting attorney, and 
served one term, declining a second nomination. He was married 
in 1866 to Miss Margaret J. Birrell, of Detroit, formerly of Lenawee 
Coimty, Mich. Mr. Taylor also held the office of supervisor in La- 
peer City, one year, and was a justice of the peace four years. 

Stephen Y. Gates was horn in Ontario County, N. Y., August 
8, 1835, and came to Lapeer with his parents in 1837. His father, 
Ealph Gates, was born in Seneca County, N. Y., October 19, 1791, 
and June 27, 1823, married Letty Van Gelder, who was born in 
Somerset, N. Y., April 14, 1798. Soon after his arrival in Lapeer 
his father engaged in shoemaking, and established a tannery, con- 
ducting both lines of business for several years. The subject of 
this sketch continued with him and became proficient as a tanner 
and currier, and shoemaker, following the latter trade up to the 
present time. During the late war he went into the army as a 
member of the Ninth Cavalry band, and remained four months, 
when he came home, and a year later enlisted in the Second Brigade 
band, remaining until the close of the war. He was married in 
1876 to Miss Nancy R. Hays, of Lapeer City, who was born in 
Sterling, Ont., October 23, 1852, and has one son, who was born 
June 30, 1880. His residence and shop are on Saginaw Street. 



TOW^ OF HADLEY. 

Were the history of Hadky to be written six months later it 
could cover the full period of a half century. But the delay has 
already been too great. Many of the incidents of pioneer life which 
increase in interest as years accumulate have slipped from the ever- 
loosening grasp of memory and cannot be recalled. 

The history of Hadley begins in the territorial days of Michigan, 
and the township was only designated as township 6 north, of 
range 9 east. The following list of original land entries will show 
the original distribution of land in the township prior to 1841. 



Section 1 . 



Section 2. 



Section 3. 



ENTRIES OF LAND. 

TOWNSHIP 6 NORTH, RANGE 9 EAST. 

John Look, May, 17, 1834. 
John Look, November 12, 1834. 
Timothy Wheeler, July 21, 1835. 
Almon Griggs, August 27, 1835. 
James Turrill, May 6, 1836. 
Timothy Wheeler, September 26, 1835. 
Almon Griggs, October 12, 1835. 
John Look, October 13, 1835. 
Trumbull Carey, October 29, 1835. 
Robert R. Howell. February 29, 1836. 
Thomas L. L. Brent, April 12, 1836. 
John L. Morse, September 24, 1834. 
Eri L. Potter, September 24, 1834. 
Eri L. Potter, October 29, 1835. 
Eri L. Potter, March 30, 1836. 
Trumbull Carey, October 29, 1835. 
Thomas L. L. Brent, April 12, 1836. 
James Turrill, April 16, 1836. 
Dan Stile, May 18, 1836. 
Mary Hannibal, April 25, 1837. 
Trumbull Carey, October 29, 1835. 
Edward Bingham, May 20, 1836. 
Steven Grant, April 1, 1836. 
Thomas L. L. Brent, April 12, 1836. 



Section 3. James Turrill, April 16, 1836. 

Ralph Wright, May 25, 1836. 
Section 4. Abraham Tunison, May 20, 1835. 

Justus P. Wheeler, October 21, 1835. 

Abraham Tunison, October 29, 1835. 

Trumbull Carey, November 2, 1835. 

Daniel H. Chandler, May 2, 1836. 
Section 5. WiUiam Cramton, May 18, 1836. 

David Cramton, May 18, 1836. 

Clark Brown, May 30, 1836. 

Robert H. Stone, May 31, 1836. 

Amos Smith, June 3, 1836. 

Charles F. Wilson, October 23, 1838. 
Section 6. Amos Brownson, May 31, 1836. 

John Demond, June 2, 1836. 

Maria Yan Nest, June 2, 1836. 

Alvin Haumer, June 16, 1836. 

John Brigham, June 29, 1836. 

George Townsend, June 29, 1836. 

Abial Townsend, October 2, 1837. 
Section 7. Thomas Wiard, Jr., May 5, 1836. 

John Mills, Jr., May 18, 1836. 

Ira Donelson, January 4, 1836. 

Mils Shattock, January 4, 1836. 

Mayhew Sanborn, January 4, 1836. 

Roswell L. Nurse, September 12, 1836. 
Section 8. Jonathan Cramton, May 18, 1836. 

Russell Cobb, May 18, 1836. 

Daniel W. Potter, June 1, 1836. 

Rowland Shadbolt, June 4, 1836. 

John Mills, Jr., May 18, 1836. 

John McKay, November 15, 1837. 
Section 9. Charles L. Campbell, May 21, 1835. 

WilHam Hart, May 28, 1835. 

Wilham Hart, July 6, 1835. 

William Hart, October 29, 1835. 

Jonathan Cramton, July 18, 1836. 

Russell Cobb, July 18, 1836. 

John McKay,, November 15, 1837. 
Section 10. Giles F. Gridley, May 26, 1835. 

Abraham Tunison, May 28, 1835. 

Minor Morse, August 14, 1835. 

B. C. Tunison, March 7, 1836. 

Corintha Kimberly, April 1, 1836. 

James Turrill, April 16, 1836. 

Minor Morse, May 6, 1836. 

James Turrill, May 6, 1836. 
Section 11. William Farrar, October 12, 1835. 

James Turrill, April 16, 1836. 

Calvin C. Palmer, and Charles Coventry, April 29, 
1836. 

Edward Bingham, May 20, 1836. 

Alpha Morse, May 21, 1836. 

Samuel J. Tower, October 28, 1836. 

Auguste C. Stange, August 10, 1837. 
Section 12. Robert R. Howell, March 23, 1836. 

Reuben Underwood, April 12, 1836. 

Alpheus Cady, May 19, 1836. 

Nehemiah Tower, June 6, 1836. 

Nelson Cady, June 10, 1836. 

Samuel S. Hubbell, June 16, 1836. 

Prentiss Williams, June 16, 1836. 

H. N. Fowler and J. Swather, June 17, 1836. 






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84 



HISTOKY OF LAP-EEE COUNTY. 



Section 12. JStephen A. Goodwin, June 17, 1836. 
Section 13. Samuel S. Hubbell, June 16, 1836. 
John M. Cooper, June 16, 1836. 
Prentiss Williams, June 16, 1836. 
H. N. Fowler and J. Swathel, June 17, 1836. 
Nelson G. Parmelee, June 22, 1836. 
John Stewart, June 28, 1836. 
Section 14. Eobert H. Stone, May 31, 1836. 
Garret A. Gray, June 9, 1836. 
Erastus H. Evans, June 9, 1836. 
Walter Davenport, June 15, 1836. 
John M. Cooper, June 16, 1836. 
Prentiss WilHams, June 16, 1836. 
Section 15. Giles F. Gridley, May 26, 1835. 
.Alpha Morse, May 21, 1836. 
Robert H. Stone, May 31, 1836. 
Humphrey Church, June 2, 1836. 
Benjamin Morse, June 6, 1836. 
Harvey Riley, June 9, 1836. 
Section 17. Henry W. Hamblin, May 23, 1836. 
Henry W. Hamblin, May 26, 1836. 
Stephen Cox, May 28, 1836. 
Daniel W. Potter, June 1, 1836. 
Section IB. Michael Bower, May 30, 1836. 
Aaron Brigham, June 4, 1836. 
John Brigham, June 9, 1836. 
Roswell Nurse, September 12, 1836. 
John Scott, June 1, 1838. 
Section 19. John Brigham, June 4, 1836. 

Charles A. Fassett, June 16, 1836. 

E. Stone, A. B. Merrill and M. P.^Thomas, July 5 

1836. 
Trumbull Carey, November 12, 1836. 
Section 20. Wilham Shadbolt, June 4, 1836. 
John Stewart, June 28, 1836. 
Edward G. Faile, November 12, 1836. 
Section 21. Alpha Mor^, May 21, 1836. 

Henry J. Wilcox, May 31, 1836. 
Smithfield Beden, June 1, 1836. 
George EUis, June 15, 1836. 
John Stewart, June 28, 1836. 
Charity Taylor, July 7, 1836. 
Alpha Morse, July 11, 1836. 
Alpha Morse, October 19, 1836. 
Section 22. Henry J. Wilcox, May 9, 1836. 
Alpha Morse, May 21, 1836. 
George EUis, June 15, 1836. 
Walter Davenport, June 15, 1836. 
Jacob Miller, June 11, 1836. 
Daniel Hand, June 18, 1836. 
Section 23. Milo M. Kemp, May 23, 1836. 

Aaron B. Patterson, June 3, 1836. 
Walter Davenport, June 15, 1836. 
Adin Nelson, October 15, 1836. 
Birdseye Brooks, November 27, 1837. 
Section 24. Horace D. Jeneson, June 4, 1836. 
Humphrey Church, June 2, 1836. 
Lewis Baker, June 20, 1836. 
John Stewart, June 20, 1836. 
Section 25. Asher B. Bates, January 5, 1836. 
Joseph Sikes, May 4, 1836. 
Joseph Sikes, May 9, 1836. 
Electa M. Wilcox, May 9, 1836. 



Section 25. 
Section 26. 



Section 27. 

Section 28. 
Section 30. 



Section 31. 



Section 32. 
Section 33. 

Section 34. 

Section 35. 



Section 36. 



Jerome B. Smith, May 23, 1836. 
Darius Bickford, May 26, 1836. 
Jerome B. Smith, May 23, 1836. 
Darius Bickford, May 26, 1836. 
Darius Bickford, June 28, 1836. 
Adams Gibson, October 15, 1836. 
Israel Bickford, December 19, 1836. 
Henry J. Wilcox, April 28, 1836. 
John Stewart, June 28, 1836. 
John McKay, June 28, 1836. 
John Stewart, June 28, 1836. 
John McKay, June 28, 1836. 
Norman Cutler, June 23, 1836. 
James Long, October 15, 1836. 
Sarah Hadley, October 15, 1836. 
John G. Randall, October 15, 1836. 
Peter Allen, October 1, 1838. 
Hiram A. Stone, October 15, 1836. 
Cornelius Allen, October 24, 1836. 
Hiram Fillmore, November 15, 1837. 
Hiram Fillmore, February 2, 1838. 
Calvin Rose, March 29, 1838. 
Robert Parritt, July 14, 1838. 
Samuel Axford, June 20, 1836. 
John Axford, September 12, 1836. 
Samuel Axford, June 20, 1836. 
Reuben S. Cook, October 25, 1836. 
Elmon Earl, August 29, 1838. 
Reuben J. Cook, October 25, 1836. 
William Lyman, November 22, 1837. 
Richard P. Hubbard, June 12, 1838. 
Warren Cheney, June 7, 1838. 
Homer Pelton, June 8, 1838. 
Charles Lane, June 14, 1838. 
John McKay, June 27, 1838. 
Israel Bickford, December 19, 1838. 
James M. Davison, January 27, 1837. 
Homer Pelton, May 27, 1837. 
Elijah Strong, June 11, 1836. 
Asher B. Bates, January 5, 1836. 
A. Gibbs, April 7, 1836. 
Peter Price, April 22, 1836. 
Israel Bickford, May 26, 1836. 
Amos J. Hines, October 13, 1836. 
Charles L. Campbell, October 13, 1836. 
Israel Bickford, December 19, 1836. 



EARLY HISTORY. 

The first purchase of land in Hadley was made by John Look, 
May 17, 1834, and the second by his brother-in-law, H. M. Look, 
both from western New York. Mr. John Look says of his arrival 
here : 

"I first came to Lapeer in 1834, and found Mr. Hart, Mr. 
McMaster and others. On the 9th day of May, came to locate, but 
was deferred by the forbidding appearance of the pine around the 
town ; but finally concluded to settle a little further south, which I 
did the same year. I was nine weeks without seeing a white 
woman, except my wife. I found a Mr. Morse there, and finally 
occupied a house jointly with him for some time. I enjoyed the 
wild life very much, and think the people were more social then 
than now." 

The Mr. Morse spoken of was J. B. Morse, who had located 










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HISTOEY OE LAPEEK COUNTY. 



85 



just across the line in the township of Metamora. Tiiese families 
formed the nucleus of what was afterward called Farmers Creek. 
The Messrs. Look built houses on their land and were settled in 
their new homes before winter set in. 

These innovations by the pale faces were regarded with'extreme 
disgust by the cowardly red-skins, who dared not annoy the men^ 
but would take occasion during their absence from home, to visit 
their houses and endeavor to frighten their wives and children. As 
an instance, Mr. Morse had made and enclosed a clearing on a 
piece of ground crossed by an Indian trail. This displeased them 
greatly, and one day as Mr. Morse and his older sons were absent, 
a stalwart savage, half crazed with whisky entered, and began to 
abuse Mrs. Morse, finally drawing his knife upon her as she refused 
to accede to his demands. But at this point Mrs. Morse, who, dur- 
ing her parley with the Indian, had quietly placed the large shovel 
in the embers, drew it forth red hot, and opening the door bade 
the "noble red man" depart, or she would strike him with the 
shovel, and he obeyed, muttering curses on "the bad squaw" in 
Indian and broken English as he went. 

The next settlers were two young men, Eri Potter and John 
Morse, who located in the summer of 1834. They did not remain 
long. Eri Potter removed to Oakland County, Mich., and when the 
discovery of gold was made in California he went in pursuit of a 
fortune, but died soon after reaching his destination. His wife be- 
came insane from grief and died soon after. Mr. Morse removed 
to Ionia, where he became a prominent man in public affairs. 

In the spring of 1835, William Hart, Abraham Tunison and 
Charles L. Campbell, located on the present site of the village of 
Hadley. Messrs. Hart and Tunison removed here with their 
families in the fall of that year, and became leading men in the new 
settlement. Mr. Hart was elected county treasurer in 1838, and was 
a member of the first grand jury in the county. He was born in 
Oneida County, N. Y., about the year 1793. His entry of land in 
Hadley comprised 400 acres and is described as follow^s: West half 
of northeast quarter, east half of northwest quarter, east half of 
southwest quarter and southeast quarter of section 9. Returning 
to Monroe County, N. Y., where his family was then living, he 
came back to Hadley, July, 1835, with his two sons and com- 
menced work on his land clearing and building a log house. They 
boarded with John L. Morse, who occupied a small log house built 
by Eri Potter on section 2. There were also two other settlers in 
the town prior to Mr. Hart's coming, viz: Henry M. and John Look. 
Mr. Hart's family joined him in October, '35. Their house was 
built on the bank of the w^est branch of Farmers Creek, on the land 
now owned by J. W. Pearson. Here Mr. Hart died. Mrs. Hart, 
who was alsQ a native of Oneida County, N. Y., died April 4, 1883, 
at the house of her son Truman. Of their children, Ansel died in 
Iowa, Alonzo is living in Hadley, Mary Ann, deceased, was the wife 
of Paul Gr. Davidson, of Genesee County, Mich., Charles is living in 
Missouri, Truman in Atlas, Genesee County, Mich. 

Abraham Tunison, although not so prominent in public affairs 
as Mr. Hart, was a very worthy man, and a pioneer of the right 
sort. He was a zealous Baptist, and may be justly considered the 
father of the first Baptist church of Hadley, of which he was for 
many years one of the deacons. Of the entire family one daughter, 
Mrs. A. Geer, of Elba, is the only one living. Some of Mr. Tu- 
nison's descendants still remain in Hadley and possess a goodly por- 
tion of their grandfather's energy. 

In the summer of 1835, Ira Griggs, his son Almon, and Timothy 
Wheeler, settled on section 1. They were men of energy and prom- 
inence. Mr. Wheeler was a very puhhc spirited man and was active in 
all the progressive movements of the town. Ira Griggs was some- 
what eccentric, but a general favorite on account of his genial good 



humor. He was full of genuine wit and many of his puns and 
odd sayings are still related and laughed over by those who 
knew him. * 

In 1836 the brothers John and Aaron Brigham settled on sec- 
tions 18 and 19. Aaron Brigham w^as born in Lewis County, N. 
Y., in 1809, and came to Michigan in 1833, and in 1836 settled on 
section 18, township of Hadley, where he has since resided. There 
were but few settlers in the township when he first came to the 
county. He cleared up a large farm and has erected fine buildings 
and made other improvements. Was married in 1834 to Miss 
Moriah Bosworth, who was born in 1813, and was also a native of 
Lewis County, N. Y. They have had four children. George W. 
enlisted in xiugust, 1862,in the Twenty-second Michigan Infantry,and 
died of fever in hospital, in March, 1863. David C. enlisted at the 
same time and in the same regiment. Was taken prisoner at 
Chickamauga, and was incarcerated in Libby prison, thence to 
Andersonville, where he died. Henry S. is the only surviving son. 

Henry 8. Brigham was born in the township of Hadley on the 
old homestead, July 10, 1853, where he has always resided, with 
the exception of the time he spent at school. Since his father's 
health failed he has managed the farm. He was married Decem- 
ber 25, 1878, to Miss Hattie L. Stimson. They have one child, a 
daughter. 

John Brigham, Sr., was born November 21, 1806, in Lowville, 
Lewis County, in the State of New York. His father, David Brig- 
ham, was of New England origin, having emigrated from Massa- 
chusetts to Lewis County about 1795, and was one of the pioneers 
of that section ot: the State. His mother w^as, before marriage, 
Sarah Veeder, daughter of Judge Veeder, who is mentioned by 
James E. Paulding as the Patriarch Veeder who presided over the 
first settlement on that portion of the Mohawk, "the advance guard 
of civilization." He was twice driven from his home by the Indi- 
ans, and his buildings and personal effects either burned or carried 
away. She was therefore familiar with the hardships of pioneer life, 
and was a descendant of the early Dutch settlers of the Empire 
State. Mr. Brigham was one of the early pioneers of Michigan, he 
having emigrated to Michigan Territory in November, 1833. He 
brought with him only the little sum of money he had been able to 
save while working out by the month, and fi.rst settled in what is 
now^ the township of Atlas, Genesee County, but in November, 1836, 
removed to Hadley, Lapeer County. Here he cleared the fine farm 
of about 300 acres winch is now occupied by his oldest son, Aaron 
G. Brigham, and here his home has been ever since thafc time ex- 
cept about two years, from 1841 to 1843, when he lived on a farm 
in Atlas, Genesee County. November 21, 1888, he was married to 
Ehza S. Goodrich, daughter of Levi H. and Eunice Goodrich, who, 
with her parents and brothers had emigrated to Atlas, Genesee 
County, ill May, 1836. She was born in the tov/n of Sempronius, 
Cayuga County, in the State of New York, September 12, 1809. 
When she was about six years oi age her family removed to what was 
then known as the Niagara Frontier, and settled on a new farm in 
Clarence, Erie County, in the same State. Here she continued to 
reside till the time of her emigration to Michigan. She died of 
cancer, March 3, 1874, after enduring three painful surgical opera- 
tions. She was a woman of strong mind, resolute will, unassuming 
virtues and of remarkable devotion to her family. She had six 
brothers, whose names in the order of their ages aie as follows: 
Moses Goodrich, Aaron Goodrich, Levi W. Goodrich, Enos Good- 
rich, John S. Goodrich and Reuben Goodrich. All of these except 
Levi W. and John S. are now living. Moses and Levi W. were 
farmers, Aaron and John B., lawyers, and Enos and Reuben, 
merchants and men of general business. Aaron Goodrich is author 
of a w^ork entitled "A History of the So-called Christopher Colum- 



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86 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



bus and his Discoveries in America;" has been chief justice of the 
supreme court of Minnesota, secretary of legation to Belgium under 
Lincoln's administration, one of the Presidential electors of Ten- 
nessee, member of the legislature of Tennessee and has held other 
positions of honor and trust. Enos and Keuben have both been 
members of the legislature of this Btate, and John 8. was elected 
judge of the Seventh Judicial District of Michigan, but died at the 
age of thirty- six, before entering on the duties of his office. 

John Brigham had four sons and one daughter, viz • Aaron G. 
Brigham, John Brigham, Jr., Eliza Jane Brigham, Samuel L. Brig- 
ham and Charles S. Brigham, all of whom were born at Hadley, 
Lapeer County, except John, Jr., who was born during the sojourn 
of the family in Atlas. Of these children three are now living, 
Eliza Jane and Charles S. having died in infancy. 

Aaeon G. Brigham was born May 12, 1840, and was married to 
Caroline Vantine January 7, 1869. They have three sons and one 
daughter. 

John Brigham, Jr., was born August 29, 1842, in what was 
then Atlas, Lapeer, but now Genesee County. He graduated at 
the law department of Michigan University, March 25, 1868, and 
was admitted to the bar at Lapeer in the summer of 1868. After 
graduating he returned home and remained till the spring of 1874, 
when he went into the law office of Hon. J. B. Moore, of Lapeer, 
where he remained a few months, after which he came to what was 
then Wenona, now West Bay City, and opened a law office Febru- 
ary 1, 1875. He has continued to practice law, keeping his office 
in West Bay City from that day to the present time. In spring of 
1879 he was elected an alderman of West Bay City, and is now the 
city attorney. He was married October 9, 1878, to Barbara M. 
Aitken, of St. Clair County, Mich., whose parents were from Glas- 
gow, Scotland. 

Samuel L. Brigham, junior member of the law firm of J. & S. 
L. Brigham, was born in Lapeer County, Mich. He graduated 
from the law department of the University of Michigan in 1874, 
and came to West Bay City in 1876, when he formed*^ co-partner- 
ship with his brother in the practice of law. He is also a justice of 
the peace, for which position his legal attainments well qualify him. 

Also in the summer of 1836 came Gardner Dexter, and the 
following autumn, Eussell Cobb, David and Jonathan Crampton 
and John Mills, Jr., came from central New York, through Canada, 
with their teams, being four weeks on the road. They settled on 
sections 5, 7 and 8, and were for many years among the strong men 
of the town. But they have all, excepting Mr. Cobb and Mrs. John 
Mills, gone upon the last journey to the great beyond. 

Late in 1836 came Nelson Cady, Harvey Eiley and Smithfield 
Beden, all of whom were prominent citizens of the town, but none 
remain except Mrs. Riley. 

About this time, the town having been organized, the popula- 
tion materially increased. In 1837 there arrived John Randall, 
Adams Gibson, Oliver and Robert Davenport, Alanson Gray and 
Alpheus Cady, all of whom are now dead, except Mr. and Mrs. 
Robert Davenport and the widow of Alanson Gray. 

In 1838 came James M. Davidson, H. Pelton, John M. and 
William Hemingway and John B. and William Cady. 

In these times men, wild with the desire for land, would spend 
their last dollar for it and would soon find themselves without bread 
or the means to buy it, and wheat at f2 a bushel. Men wept to 
hear their children cry for bread, and some thought it a specidl 
providence to get moldy, sour wheat at f 1.75 per bushel, the 
owner of the wheat being willing to wait for the payment till a crop 
could be secured. Then to get it ground they had to go to Orion 
or Lakeville with ox teams, and women kept the house while their 
husbands; fathers or brothers, went to the mill, or for seed wheat, 



neV*er blenching through the long, weary nights, though wolves 
howled all around them. 

Of those who held office during the first years after the town 
was organized, only Messrs. Russell Cobb, Dennis Griggs, and 
Alonzo N. Hart still reside in town. Johnson N. Tower resides in 
Marathon, Lapeer County, William Hemingway at Lapeer, an 
attorney and counselor at law, and John Morse, at last accounts, 
was in Ionia County, Mich. All the rest, so far as known, have 
died. Roswell Nurse came in the spring of 1837, and died the 
next year, and his widow a short time after his death remained 
alone in her cabin in the woods with no neighbor near, 
and not even a dog or gun to serve her in case of need for 
three days and nights, while her brother w^ent for seed wheat, 
though the wolves made the woods around her lonely dwelling ring 
with their dismal bowlings. This lady is still living, we believe, 
somewhere in Oakland County. 

The early settlers of Hadley w^ere mostly men of great energy, 
and of marked integrity. Their wives were worthy daughters of the 
women of the Revolution and the war of 1812. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The tow^n of Hadley was organized in March, 1836, and com- 
prised township 6 north, of range 9 east, and township 6 north, of 
range 10 east, the latter being now the town of Metamora. 

The first township meeting was held at the house of Timothy 
Wheeler, April 4, 1836, eleven voters being present. William 
Hart was elected supervisor. 

The general election for 1836 was held according to the custom 
of that time, two days, and at two places. One voting place was 
at the house of Timothy Wheeler on November 7, and on the 
day following at the house of Jesse Lee. This election was held for 
the purpose of electing three presidential electors, three State 
senators, one representative, one representative to the legislature, 
two associate judges and county officers. There were twenty-two 
votes polled at this election and the Whig majority in4he township 
was seven, but as the Democrats carried the day, both in the 
county and State the vote of Hadley had no general significance. 
The record of this election, still preserved in the office of the town 
clerk of Hadley, is the only one in the county containing any 
account of the event, which was probably attended with a greater 
degree of excitement and anxiety than any subsequent election. 

There was a special election held December 6, 1836, for the 
purpose of electing delegates Ho meet in convention at Ann Arbor, 
to assent to the compromise proposition made by CoBgress to the 
legislature of Michigan. At this meeting twenty- three votes were 
cast, all for Norman Davison and Harvey Gray. 

In 1840 the first census was taken by Noah H. Hart. The 
total population was 371, of which 199 were males and 172 females. 
The census of 1874 was as follows: Population, 1,505; acres of 
taxable land, 21,389; of improved land, 14,315; number of sheep, 
4,582; of horses, 646; of cows, 650. Products of preceding year, 
24,172 pounds of wool; 67,026 pounds of pork marketed; 1,075 
pounds of cheese, and 72,447 of butter made; 41,824 bushels of 
wheat raised; 31,492 of com; 43,871 of other grain; 16,506 bushels 
of apples; eighty of pears; twenty-five of cherries; 11,108 of potatoes; 
and 2,137 tons of hay; 449 barrels of cider were made, and 6,635 
pounds of fruit dried for market. In 1874, 490 pounds of maple 
sugar were made. 

In 1880 the population of the town was 1,474. The aggregate 
value of real and personal property in 1882, as equalized by the 
board of supervisors was $792,000. 

SCHOOL MATTERS. 

The first school taught in the township of Hadley or Meta- 
mora, was a private one kept by H. M. Look of Hadley, at the house 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEK COUNTY. 



87 



of his brother-in-law, J. B. Morse, just over the way in Metanlora, 
for the instruction of their own and their neighbors' children, about 
the year 1836. Some time in 1837 a school district was organized 
on the plains west of Hadley, now known as Green's Corners. In 
1838 a fractional district was formed of Hadley and Metamora, and 
a log school-house built in Hadley, one-half mile south of Farmers 
Creek. Nelson Cady was the first teacher in this building. About 
the same time the Hadley districu was formed, and soon after the 
one in the Hemingway and Davenport neighborhood. In 1842 the 
organization known as *'Free School District No. 1," Hadley and 
Metamora, was broken up; the south western part formed a new 
district, known as "Cadyville," while the rest of the district with 
adjacent parts of Lapeer and Elba formed a new district known as 
"Free School District No. 1," Hadley and Metamora, Lapeer, and 
Elba. This still remains and is likely to stand. The Cadyville 
district, in consequence of dissensions, in a few years fell to pieces, 
and was absorbed by, other organizations. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of the town of 
Hadley for the year 1882, shows the number of children to have 
been 478, number of school buildings, ten. The school inspectors 
for the ensuing year were, E. D. W. Pelton, Silas F. Eiley, Charles 
Profrock, George S. Hemingway, George Tunison, George L. 
Eaby, Justin Tower, Eufus Ivory, Alonzo J. Sherman, Alexander 
Doherty. 

FIRST THINGS. 

The first birth in town was Jefferson Morse, son of Minor 
Morse, in 1836 or 1837. The first saw-miU was built by Calvin 
Hamlin in 1842; the first grist-mill at Hadley, by E. Fortune, 
about 1845. It has been twice burned down and rebuilt, and still 
does a good business. The first store building was put up by 
Evans at the chimerical city of Eome, founded on the Hadley hills, 
for purposes of speculation; first dry goods store in Hadley village, 
was built and kept by John J. Watkins, who now resides in the city 
of Lapeer. 

A PIONEER PREACHER. 

Eev. James Hemingway, who died at Hadley, August 27, 1881, 
preached the first sermon in the town of Hadley. He was ninety- 
three years of age at the time of his death. The following obituary 
notice is taken from the columns of the Lapeer Clarion : 

*'The deceased was born at Framingham, Mass., July 14, 1788, 
and while an infant less than one year old moved with his parents 
to Whitestown, Oneida County, N. Y. On January 24th he 
married Miss Elmira Frazier at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., and soon 
after his marriage he moved to Chih, Monroe County, N. Y., and 
commenced clearing a farm in the western country, as it was then 
called, and on February 6, 1812, his wife died, and in August of 
that year he received a hcense to preach in the M. E. Church, which 
relation he held to the church to the day of his death. In 
January, 1812, he was drafted as a soldier in the war with Great 
Britain, went to the frontier at Buffalo, and was after a short period 
discharged, and on January 24, 1814, he was married to Phcebe 
Hart, a sister of the late Wilham Hart, of Hadley, in this county, 
and by her had six children— four boys and two girls,— all of whom 
Siirvive him. In 1824 he joined the Genesee conference of the M. 
E. Church, and continued in the itineracy of the church until 1841, 
eight years of which he was presiding eider, at which time he 
moved to Michigan where his children had all preceded him, and 
since that time he has resided with some of his children. His 
wife died on August 11, 1846. 

"He enjoyed good health most of the time to his death, and 
on July 14, 1878, preached at the school-house in the neighborhood 
where he resided, (it being his ninetieth birthday) to a large con- 
course of people of several hundred. 



"His funeral was attended by at least 500 persons at the church 
at Hadley village, on Sunday, August 28, 1881. At the house on 
the day of the funeral they had his chair that he usually sat in 
draped in mourning, and placed out in front of the house under the 
shade trees, where he used to sit and read for hours at a time, and 
which he called his parlor. In the days of Jackson he was an 
ardent Jackson man, but seldom voted. Since the organization of 
the Eepubhcan party he has been a Eepubhcan but never entered 
into political discussions. 

"He was a subscriber for the Christian Advocate of New York 
from the first number to the time of his death continuously. He 
was an ardent Methodist in his rehgious opinion but not bigoted. 
During the agitation of the slavery question before the rebellion, he 
was an anti-slavery man but did not join the Abolition party, but 
was firm and decisive in his opinions on that subject, and was 
opposed to slavery in all its forms. He died in full faith in the 
Christian religion." 

the deserted city. 

The world is full of deserted places; life is full of them. The 
shores of time are strewn with the wrecks of fortunes, ambitions 
and hopes. Men dig for gold which they find not, and folding their 
tents move on. The next one who passes that way sees the pit and 
remnants of the camp fire of a deserted enterprise. Men build cities 
to-day, but on the morrow the oil has ceased to flow, the ore mine 
is exhausted, the pine forest has disappeared, or the railroad ran 
another way, and tenantless l^uildings tell the story of a fruitless 
scheme. Hadley has its deserted city, which was grandly founded, 
but never reared. About 1839 or 1840 a Lapeer merchant named 
Evans laid out a village on the Hadley hills, and gave it the pomp- 
ous name of "Eome," on account of a fancied similarity of situa- 
tion. There fhe similarity ceased, for Eome of the olden time was 
not built in a day while Eome of Hadley was. Evans erected a 
store building on the site of his proposed imperial city, and then 
the Will o' the Wisp spread its wings and disappeared from the 
spot. The only thing the place acquired was a title, and it has ever 
since born the name of "The Deserted City." 



THE VILLAGE OF HADLEY. 

Hadley village is a small agricultural center, and is located on 
sections 4 and 9. The first settlers on its site were Messrs. Abraham 
Tunison, William Hart and Charles L. Campbell. In 1845 Ed- 
ward Fortune built a grist-mill at this point. The first dry goods 
store was by John J. Watkins, now of Lapeer. 

The first hotel was built about 1857 by Allen J. Porter. 

The village is situitei in the midst of a most delightful farm- 
ing country, but it has no importance as a business point beyond a 
local trade. 

early temperance movement. 

The Hadley Temperance Society was a noteworthy institution 
of the early days. It was organized November 3, 1836, at the 
house of William Hart, with twenty-one members. The entire 
adult population of what is now Hadley and many more were en- 
rolled as members. It flourished greatly for several years. Its first 
officers were as follows: President, John Bratazon; vice-president, 
William Hart; secretary and treasurer, Smithfield Beden; directors, 
Abraham Tunison, Eussell Cobb, Dennis Griggs, William Beden, 
Alonzo Hart. It was at a prayer meeting held by members of this 
society, after the close of their regular business meeting, that the 
great rehgious revival began, which bea.ime so general under the. 
labors of Eevs. Potter, Mitchell and McKay. 

This temperance society exerted a great power in the town both 
morally and socially. 



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A 



88 



HISTOKY OF LAPEER COUNTY. 



In 184:"2 this society resolved to petition for the prohibicion of 
the manufacture and sale of intoxicating drinks. This shows that 
legal prohibition had its friends at that early day. Many of the 
members came long distances with ox teams to attend these meet- 
ings, and we can just imagine how intensely these rides and social 
meetings were enjoyed by the younger members. 

THE HADLEY M. E. CHUKCH. 

The first sermon preached in Hadley was delivered by Eev. 
James Hemingway July 10, 1835. The sermon was preached in a 
log shanty standing on the southwest corner of the east half of 
southwest quarter of section 2. The house was then owned byEri 
Potter and occupied by John Morse. It is said that every person 
then living in the town was present at this meeting. 

Sometime in the month of November, 1835, Eev. Oscar North 
organized the first religious society in Hadley, consisting of four 
members, viz.: Dennis Griggs, Jemima Griggs, Wilham Hart and 
Polly Hart. William Hart was appointed the first class leader, an 
office which he continued to hold for several years. Paradoxical as 
it may appear, the first rehgious society was organized inMetamora, 
about ninety rods east of the Hadley line, at Farmers Creek. Meta- 
mora was at that time unorganized, and was connected with Had- 
ley for civil purposes. 

Shortly after the organization of the society an appointment for 
preaching was fixed at the residence of William Hart, just at the 
south side of the present limits of Hadley village. Farmers Creek, 
however, continued to be a regular preaching place, and at some 
subsequent period the class was divided and the part which held its 
meetings at William Hart's was thenceforth known as the Hadley 
Class, and the other part as the Farmers Creek Class. 

From 1835 to 1850 Hadley was an outlying appointment of the 
Lapeer circuit. 

In 1837 the appointment was removed from William Hart's 
residence to a log school-house at Green's Corners. This was the 
first school-house built m the township. 

In 1838 Oran Mitchell w^as pastor. During his administration 
Hadley was favored with a sweeping revival, which commenced at 
a temperance meeting. At that meeting it is said that with two 
exceptions all the adult population was converted in the township, 
and the township received the title of *' Pious Hadley. " 

During the year 1842 a church edifice was commenced on the 
site of the present Hadley M. E. Church. The lot was deeded to 
the society by Alonzo aud Amanda Hart, February 15, 1842. The 
deed was witnessed by John M. Hemingway and Dr. J. S. Com- 
stock. The first board of trustees consisted of James Hemingway, 
William Hart, Simon T. Hill, Jonathan Crampton and William 
Hemmgway. It appears that our pioneer fathers made haste slowly, 
for the deed, though executed in February, 1842, was not acknowl- 
edged until March 28, 1844. It was recorded about a month later. 
The building was a frame, 28x33 feet. 

At the conference of 1849 Hadley and some other appointments 
were severed from Lapeer charge and formed into a new circuit, 
and for the first time the name of Hadley appears in the published 
minutes. Benjamin F. Pritchard was placed in charge of the new 
circuit, and remained two years. His work included Hadley, 
Goodrichville, Farmers Creek, Thornville, and probably some other 
appointments. During Bro. Pritchard's second year's pastorate the 
parsonage was built. The deed of the parsonage lot was given by 
William and Polly Hart, and bears date November 20, 1850. The 
instrument was acknowledged before Justice Chauncey S. Kandall, 
and was witnessed by Sabrina Hart. The trustees to whom the 
deed was given were William Hart, James Hemingway, John M. 
Hemingway, Eufus C. Potter, and Jonathan Crampton. 

In 1851 Henry N. Brown was pastor; in 1852, Thomas Wake- 



lin; in 1853, John Levington; in 1851, Giles N. Belknap. In 1855 
Mr. Belknap was returned to the charge. 

At the session of the general conference held in May, 1856, the 
State of Michigan was divided into two annual conferences. The 
Detroit conference, which included the Hadley appointment, held 
its first session in the month of September, 1856, at which time 
Thomas Seeley was appointed pastor of Hadley circuit, with Isaac 
Crawford for assistant. Mr. Seeley's pastorate continued two years, 
during which time the church edifice at Farmers Creek was com- 
menced. The deed of the lot on which it was erected, bears date 
April 7, 1857, was given by Andrew White and acknowledged be- 
fore Dr. J. S. Comstock. The trustees were James Gark, Dennis 
Griggs, Isaac Thomas, William Hills and Asa Parmlee. Dr. L. D. 
Whitney preached the dedicatory sermon. In 1858 Samuel P. Yan- 
doozer was pastor. During that year a noted protracted meeting 
was held in Hadley by an eccentric evangelist by the name of J. B. 
Allen, commonly known as "Crazy Allen." 

In 1859 and 1860 William Mothersill, who preached at Hadley 
in 1845, when it was simply an out-appointment on Lapeer circuit, 
w^as again pastor here. In 1861 Alanson Herrick was appointed 
pastor; in 1862, Lewis Mitchell; in 1863, Curtis Mosier; in 1864, 
Wesley Hagadorn; in 1865 and 1866, Benjamin F. Pritchard; he 
will be remembered as having been the first man stationed at Had- 
ley after it was cut off from Lapeer, in 1850. During this second 
pastorate of Mr. Pritchard, the appointment at Farmers Creek was 
cut off from Hadley, and in connection with Hunters Creek, was 
under the charge of Alexander Gee. Farmers Creek was again at- 
tached to Hadley in 1867, and both were under the pastoral care of 
Lucius S. Tedman, who remained two years, and was succeeded in 
1869 by George W. Owen, who remained three years. During his 
administration the present church edifice was erected, at a cost of 
$4,500. The corner stone was laid May 12, 1870, by Eev. J. S. 
Smart with appropriate ceremonies. The following list of articles 
W"ere deposited in the vault: Methodist almanac, 1870; Michigan 
almanac, 1870; Cluistian Advocate, 1826 and 1870; Northwestem 
Christian Advocate, 1870; Sundai/ -School Advocate, 1870; Bible, 
hymn book. Discipline, history of the church, official list, list of 
township officers, 1870; five small coins, handbill for corner stone 
laying, and a copy of the Lapeer Clarion. The church edifice was 
dedicated October 12, 1870, by Rev. J. S. Smart. 

BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The Baptist Church of Hadley was organized Sept. 13, 1837, 
with seven members. The meeting was held in a new barn belong- 
ing to Wm. Hart. The first pastor was Rev. W. D. Potter. Miss 
Jane Hartwell, now Mrs. Howe, of Hadley, was the first member 
received by baptism. This society began a church edifice in 1852, 
which was completed and dedicated in 1854. Its early pastors have 
been the Revs. W. D. Potter, Wm. Fuller, Q. C. Atherton, N. P. 
Barlow, E. N. Selleck and D. W. Cronkhite. 

In the winter of 1858-'59, an itinerant evangelist styled "Crazy 
Allen," held a series of meetings in the Baptist Church, although 
himself a licentiate of the M. E, Church. The meetings were 
styled union. The preacher's antics and modes of procedure, were 
after the model of the Salvation Army. He would sing, whistle, 
dance and shout by turns in conducting these meetings. There 
was great excitment, and one unfortunate young man became de- 
mented, but no permanent good was done. 

THE METHODIST CHURCH. 

The Free Methodist society was organized in 1876, and a 
church built jusb east of Hadley. The first pastor was Rev. John 
Wetherold. He has been susoeeded by R. D. Robinson, McGee, A. 
F. Goodwin, D. C. Elmberg and J. B. Soule. The present mem- 






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Mrs. John Brigham, 

DECEASED. 




John Brigham 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



89 



bership is forty-one. A lot lias been purchased in the village and 
the erection of a church upon it in the near future is intended. 

POSTOFFICE. 

The first postmaster was John Mills, Jr., who kept the office 
at his house, two miles west of the village. It was afterward re- 
moved to the village. Postmasters since Mr. Mills: Luther D. 
Whitney, Harvey Mills, — Cummings, N. F. Hough, Theo. Taylor, 
M. N. Kelley, Horace Hutton and W. A. Henderson. 
ladies' libraky association. 

The Ladies' Library Association of Hadley was organized at a 
meeting held at the residence of A. S. Little in the village of Had- 
ley, Dec. 22, 1874. Officers: President, Mrs. Carrie E. Little; vice- 
president, Mrs. Vina Proctor; secretary, Miss Ella E.Hower; treas- 
urer, Mrs. C. Hutton. The officers in 1883 are as follows: Presi- 
dent, Mrs. Dr. Suter; secretary, Ella Hower; treasurer, Mrs. John 
Chalmers. 

MASONIC. 

Hadley Lodge No. 210, E. & A. M., was organized in Decem- 
ber, 1866, with the following charter members: Lucius Fitch, 
David Mills, Herman Parmalee, Mark N. Kelley, Smith C. Will- 
iams, James H. Hemingway, Ashley Kiley, Lester H. Williams, 
Ezra B. Mattison, John B. Proctor, John J. Sawyer, Geo. W. Nye, 
T. Coverdale. There are, in 1883, forty-three members. The 
officers are as follows: W. M., M. F. Hemingway; S. W., M. 
Walker; J. W., C. B. Phillips; Treas., eL Hodgson; Sec, J. A. 
Morton; S. D., F. G. Bullock; J. D., Ed. Cole; tyler, Jas. Sprague; 
Stewarts, Abram Gates and James H. Hemingway. 

AGEICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 

The Hadley District Agricultural and Horticultural Society was 
organized in 1877. First officers: Pres't G. W. Cramton; secretary, 
Geo. Davenport; treasurer. John M. Chalmers. There has been 
no change of officers until 1882, when Geo. Davenport was elected 
president and G. W. Cramton, secretary. The grounds, covering 
ten acres adjoining Hadley village, were purchased in 1879, and the 
main building erected in 1880. The fairs have been uniformly suc- 
cessful, and the society is practically free from debt. Directors in 
1883: Andrew Snook, Hadley; John Stewart, Elba; John Joy, 
Atlas; Clark Townsend, Metamora; Wm. Francis, Brandon; James 
Kerr, Davison; Henry Brigham, Hadley; John K. Pierson, Atlas; 
Alphonzo Baldwin, Hadley. Business committee: Andrew Snook, 
Jas. Kerr, H. S. Brigham. 



TOWN OFFICERS. 

1836 - Supervisor, William Hart ; clerk, Dennis Griggs ; collector, 
Beverly M. Brown. 

1837— Supervisor, William Hart; clerk. Nelson Cady; collector, 
Eeuben Shadbolt. 

1838 — Supervisor, James W. Sanborn; clerk. Nelson Cady; 
collector. Levy P. Miller. 

1839— Supervisor, John Mills, Jr.; clerk, Nelson Cady; treas- 
urer, Rufus C. Potter. 

1840— Supervisor, William Hemingway; clerk, John M. Hem- 
ingway; treasurer, Rufus C. Potter. At this election John Mills, Jr., 
and William Hemingway received an equal number of votes for 
supervisor, and the two candidates cast lots, which resulted in 
favor of Mr. Hemingway. 

1841 — Supervisor, Nelson Cady; clerk, Smithfield Beden; 
treasurer, Rufus C. Potter. 

1842 — Supervisor, John Mills, Jr. ; clerk, Nathan Greene ; treas- 
urer, Rufus C. Potter. 

1843 — Supervisor, Henry M. Look; clerk, Nathan Greene; 
treasurer, Rufus C. Potter. 



1844— Supervisor, H. M. Look; clerk, Gardiner Dexter; 
treasurer, Rufus C. Potter. 

1845 — Supervisor, J. M. Hemingway; clerk, C. H. Hamlin; 
treasurer, R. C. Potter. 

1846 — Supervisor, J. M. Hemingway; clerk, J. S. Tower; 
treasurer, Rufus C. Potter. 

1847 — Supervisor, Homer Pelton; clerk, J. M. Hemingway; 
treasurer, A. L. Hart. 

1848— Supervisor, John M. Hemingway; clerk, Smithfield 
Beden; treasurer, Ansel L. Hart. 

1849— Supervisor, John Mills, Jr.; clerk, Russell Cobb; treas- 
urer, Harvey C. Mills. 

1850— Supervisor, John Mills, Jr. ; clerk, Luther D. Whitney 
treasurer, Harvey C. Mills. 

1851 ^Supervisor, Joseph W. Pelton; clerk, James H. Hem 
ingway; treasurer, Alonzo N. Hart. 

1852— Supervisor, Joseph W. Pelton; clerk, James H. Hem 
ingway; treasurer, Alonzo N. Hart. 

1853— Supervisor, John M. Hemingway; clerk, Luther J) 
Whitney; treasurer, Wilham Baldwin. 

1854— Supervisor, Wilham Hemingway; clerk, Silas B. Gas 
kill; treasurer, George E. Scott. 

1855— Supervisor, John M. Hemingway; clerk, Silas B. Gas 
kill; treasurer, George E. Scott. 

1856— Supervisor, Jacob C. Kore; clerk, Luther D. Whitney 
treasurer, Harmon Barnes. 

1857— Supervisor, Jacob C. Kore; clerk, L. Barnes; treasurer 
Orator Gibson. 

1858— Supervisor, Jacob C. Kore; clerk, Jasper Bentley ; treas 
urer, George E. Scott. 

1859— Supervisor, Jacob C. Kore; clerk, Alonzo N. Hart 
treasurer, George E. Scott. 

I860— Supervisor, Gardiner Dexter; clerk, Alonzo N. Hart 
treasurer, George E. Scott. 

1861— Supervisor, Gardiner Dexter; clerk, George E. Scott 
treasurer, George Davenport. 

1862— Supervisor, Gardiner Dexter; clerk, George E. Scott 
treasurer, George Davenport. 

1863 — Supervisor, Gardiner Dexter; clerk, Jasper Bentley 
treasurer, N. M. Cole. 

1861 — Supervisor, Gardiner Dexter; clerk, Jasper Bentley 
treasurer, Herman Palmerlee. 

1865— Supervisor, Frank C. DeLano; clerk, William A. Hen- 
derson ; treasurer, Herman Palmerlee. 

1866 — Supervisor, Jacob C. Kore; clerk, James H. Heming- 
way; treasurer, Herman Palmerlee. 

1867— Supervisor, Jacob C. Kore; clerk, George E. Scott; 
treasurer, Herman Palmerlee, 

1868— Supervisor, Jacob C. Kore; clerk, George E. Scott; 
treasurer, Herman Palmerlee. 

1869— Supervisor, Jacob C. Kore; clerk, A. Bentley; treasurer, 
Herman Palmerlee. 

1870— Supervisor, Gilbert Bates; clerk, William Houston; 
treasurer, Mark N. Kelley. 

1871— Supervisor, Gilbert Bates; clerk, A. Bentley; treasurer, 
Mark N. Kelley. 

1872— Supervisor, Gilbert Bates; clerk, Alvah Bentley; treas- 
urer, Robert S. Hutton. 

1873— Supervisor, Jacob C. Kore; clerk, Alvah Bentley; treas- 
urer, Robert S. Huiton. 

1874— Supervisor, Jacob C. Kore; clerk, M. F. Hemingway; 
treasurer, Robert S. Hutton. 



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90 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY 



1875 — Superyisor, George Davenport; clerk, M. F. Heming- 
way; treasurer, William A. Henderson. 

1876 — Supervisor, George Davenport; clerk, Charles Moor- 
land; treasurer, William A. Henderson. 

1877 — Supervisor, George Davenport; clerk, Charles Moor- 
land; treasurer, Kobert S. Hutton. 

1878 — Supervisor, Jacob C, Kore; clerk, Charles Moorland; 
treasurer, Kobert S. Hutton. 

1879 — Supervisor, George Davenport; clerk, John A. Morton; 
treasurer, George W. Tunison. 

1880 — Supervisor, George Davenport; clerk, John A. Morton; 
treasurer, George W. Tunison. 

1881 — Supervisor, John M. Hemingway; clerk, John A. Mor- 
ton; treasurer, Egbert Tunison. 

1882 — Supervisor, John M. Hemingway; clerk, John A. Mor- 
ton; treasurer, Egbert Tunison. 

1883 — Supervisor, George W. Cramton; clerk, John A. Mor- 
ton; treasurer, Charles Moorland. 

THE HADLEY HILLS. 

The southern portion of Hadley Township is hilly, and until 
within a few years, was regarded as comparatively worthless for 
agricultural purposes. This portion of the township has been set- 
tled mostly by Germans, who have made for themselves good farms, 
and are a prosperous community. There is a Lutheran Church in 
this settlement that is well sustained. 



J 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Frank Gleason was born in Middlebury, Wyoming County, N. 
Y., Jime 4, 1843, and, with his mother, in 1855 came to Lapeer 
County, and settled in the township of Hadley on section 6. He 
remained at home until of age, when he purchased a piece of wild 
land, and for two years engaged in clearing it. He then sold it, and 
in 1866 purchased the homestead which he has owned and occupied 
since. Much of the clearing on his present farm was done by him 
before he was of age. Has now 155 acres of land, and besides 
farming is also engaged in handling fat cattle for the Detroit mar- 
ket. He was married January 2, 1865, to Miss Jennie Stewart, a 
native of Scotland. They have had four children. 

John Ivory, deceased, was born near Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., 
in 1814, and came to Oakland County, Mich., in 1837. In the 
spring of 1840, he purchased a tract of wild land lying on both 
sides of the town line road between the townships of Elba and Had- 
ley in Lapeer County, and moved upon it and built his first house 
in Elba, but subsequently built on section 4 in Hadley, which he 
occupied until the time of his death in 1875. He was a hardwork- 
ing, industrious man, and cleared up a large farm, making many 
valuable improvements thereon. He was married March 10, 1840, 
to Miss PhideHa Doud, who died October 13, 1880. They had four 
children, three of whom are living. 

KuFus Ivory was born in the township of Elba, July 20, 1845, 
and has always lived on the homestead. On the death of his father, 
John Ivory, he became possessed of a part of the old farm which 
he still retains. Has served his township in thecapacity of highway 
commissioner two years, and is the present (1883) incumbent. He 
was married March 8, 1866, to Miss Sarah J. Wilders. They have 
had five children, three of whom are living. 

E. A. Brownell is a native of Bethany, Genesee County, N. Y., 
and was born March 7, 1816. He came to Metamora, Lapeer County, 
Mich., in 1838, and settled on section 20, where he remained until 
1872, when he removed to his present farm in Hadley, on section 25. 
Has been engaged in farming since he came to Michigan, and has 



cleared up large tracts of land. He now owns a fine farm upon 
which may be seen substantial and commodious buildings. Was 
elected to the State legislature in 1866 and re-elected in 1868. Has 
been supervisor two years, justice of the peace sixteen years, besides 
having held other township offices. When he came to Lapeer 
County the townships of Metamora and Hadley were very sparsely 
settled, containing perhaps nine families to each. Travel was car- 
ried on by the aid of marked trees as there were no roads cut out 
at that time. He was married in the spring of 1838 to Miss Emily 
Dowd, who was born in Massachusetts in 1817. They have had 
seven children, five of whom are living. 

Hiram Lee was born in Metamora, Lapeer County, Mich., 
June 3, 1840, and remained at home, working on his father's farm 
most of the time, till November, 1864, when he purchased the farm 
he now resides upon, which is located on section 12, in the town- 
ship of Hadley. He was married in July, 1862, to Miss Jane Ship- 
pey, who was born in Oxford, Oakland County, Mich., 1841. They 
have three children. 

George W. Cramton was born July 8, 1842, at his present 
place of residence on section 4. He remained at home working on 
the farm till August, 1861, when he enlisted in Company F, First 
Mich. Cav., and served in the cavalry corps of the Army of the Poto- 
mac till July, 1865, and was in most of the battles his regiment 
participated in. After returning home — his father having died dur- 
ing his absence — he bought out the heirs to the estate, and has 
since owned and occupied the homestead. He is the present super- 
visor of Hadley, and has been president of the Hadley District Ag- 
ricultural and Horticultural Society for a number of years, and is at 
present secretary of the same. He was married October 19, 1866, 
to Miss Josephine P. Osmun. They have three childern. 

Oliver Davenport (deceased) was born in Monroe, Orange 
County, N. Y,, May 8, 1804, and came to Hadley, Lapeer County, 
Mich., in 1837, where he located his land on section 22, clearing it 
up and remaining upon it until his death, which occurred Novem- 
ber 6, 1869. He was married January 4, 1827, to Miss Permelia 
Crosson, who was born in Orange County, N. Y.,in 1803. They 
had a family of six children — Catharine, Susan, who died at the age 
of two years, Jesse, George, William H., and Theodore. 

Mr. Davenport was married a second time, in November, 1849, 
to Miss Ehza Kichards, who died October 13, 1869. 

Geoege Davenport, representative from the First District of 
Lapeer County, was born on Hudson Street, New York City, March 
23, 1833, the son of Oliver and Permelia (Crosson) Davenport. 
His father was born in Orange County, N. Y., May 8, 1804, of En- 
glish ancestry on the paternal side, and Holland on the mother's. 
Mr. Davenport's mother was born January 21, 1808, also in Orange 
County. They were married January 4, 1827, and had six children 
— Catharine, Susan (deceased), Jesse, George (subject of this 
memoir), William H., and Theodore. 

Mr. Ohver Davenport was on a farm the first twenty-three 
years of his life. About this time he married and moved to New 
York City, where he became superintendent of a barilla factory, 
manufacturing barilla for soap-making. At the end often years, in 
1837, he removed to Michigan, settling in the lonesome wilderness 
of Hadley Township, Lapeer County, and entered 160 acres of land 
which George now owns. At that time it lay so deep in the wilder- 
ness that Mr. Davenport had to find his way to it by means of 
blazed trees. They had to cut ttie road through the timber for 
twelve miles. This family is now the third oldest in the township. 
Mr. Oliver Davenport, with two brothers, left the remainder of the 
family in Troy Township, Oakland County, with another brother, 
and went in advance into the wilderness and erected two log cabins, 
taking shelter under the wagon-box during the progress of the work. 



*c\^ 



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J^ 



HISTOEY OF LAPEER COUNTY 



91 



H. 



All this land Mr. Davenport had the satisfaction of finally see- 
ing cleared, fenced, and stocked with good farm buildings, etc. 

In this new country George had no opportunity of attending 
school until about three years after their settlement there, when a 
log school-house was built, about one mile distant; and his first 
teacher was his aunt, Sarah A. Davenport, who is still living. On 
account of being so far from town, 'they made their own furniture, 
as well as houses, and George's bedstead consisted of two-inch 
sticks driven into holes bored in the logs of the wall. January 18, 
1846, his mother died, and three years afterward, in November, 
1849, his father married Mrs. Eliza Eichards, a widow lady, of Eng- 
lish ancestry. She was a resident of Sterling Township, Macomb 
County, Mich. 

By the time he was twenty years of age George had received a 
very good common-school education. In 1856 his uncle, Israel 
Willersdorff, desiring him as a partner in the confectionery business, 
in New York, he went there; but, after working as his assistant for 
a year, he returned to Michigan, where, December 10, 1857, he 
married Miss Mary Hali, daughter of Job Hall, and born in Ashta- 
bula County, Ohio, in December, 1841, of English ancestry. Of 
their five children, all born in Hadley Township, three are living, 
namely, Eva E., born March 12, 1860, and died July 31, 1861; 
George, born October 20, 1871, and died August 5, 1874; Permelia, 
born July 29, 1862; Cassie, April 15, 1866; Oliver G., September 
18, 1875. 

Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Davenport returned to 
New York City with his wife, and after following his former employ- 
ment a year, he came back to Michigan and engaged in farming, 
having bought eighty acres of land, which after having paid for it, he 
lost in litigation, but he afterward again purchased it. 

In Lapeer City, August 9, 1862, Mr. Davenport enlisted in 
Company K, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, Capt. William H. Smith. 
His brothers, Theodore and Jesse, also enlisted in the same com- 
pany about the same time. The company was soon sent to Louisville, 
and engaged in active service. Mr. Davenport served three years, 
his regiment participating in ninety-three engagements. He was 
sick, however, about three months. They followed the rebels south 
from Louisville, and at Lebanon they had a general engagement. 
Jesse Davenport was w^ounded at Smith's Crossing, in Eastern Ten- 
nessee. George was first promoted as eighth corporal, then com- 
missary sergeant, quartermaster sergeant, then acting first sergeant. 
He also participated in the capture of Jefferson Davis, and was on 
guard over him four days after his capture. He had charge of com- 
pany as captain several months in the winter of 1864, on account 
of the officers being away. After his discharge he returned home 
and resumed farming. Theodore had been discharged at the end of 
a year on account of disabdity, and Jesse served out the three years 
and returned home safely. 

Mr. Davenport made a number of improvements on the eighty 
acres mentioned, and without any notice a writ of ejectment was 
served upon him, compelling him a second time to buy the farm, 
which took all the money he had saved during the war, and ran 
him in debt several hundred dollars besides. But this he soon paid, 
and added sixty acres more. He cleared about fifty acres, and finally 
sold for 1 1,150. He then purchased of the family heirs a quar- 
ter section of the homestead, on which he has since hved, and where 
he now has 190 acres, 160 under good cultivation. He has a fine 
residence, barns, orchards, etc. Altogether, he has a very valuable 
and well-equipped homestead. To obtain this after so many mis- 
fortunes, has called into requisition more energy and business talent 
than most men possess. 

Mr. Davenport has been commissioner of highways about seven 
years, township treasurer, 1861-',62, supervisor six years, secretary 



of the Hadley District Agricultural and Horticultural Society from 
its organization for four years, and president of the same from 1881 
to the present time. He is also president of the Lapeer County 
Veteran Association. In the fall of 1880 he was nominated for rep- 
resentative on the Eepublican ticket, against Joel D. Mclntyre, and 
he received a majority of 400 votes, running far ahead of his con- 
freres. In February, 1881, he was a delegate to the State Eepubh- 
can Convention at Lansing, to nominate supreme judges and re- 
gents. En the summer of 1882 he was delegate to the State Conven- 
tion at Kalamazoo; also, in February, 1883, he was a member of 
the State Convention at Saginaw City again, to nominate regents 
and supreme judges; and in the fall of 1882 he was again nomi- 
nated by the Kepublicans and re-elected representative to the legis- 
lature, against Noah H. Hart, of Lapeer City, on the Fusion ticket, 
receiving a majority of 351. At tlie last legislature he introduced a 
joint resolution to so alter the State constitution as to add another 
supreme judge to the bench, and a bill relative to the equalization 
of taxation by the boards of supervisors. 

James H. Hemingway was born in Chili, Monroe County, N. Y., 
August 26, 1822, and with his parents in 1837 moved to Rogers- 
ville, Steuben County, N. Y., and a year thereafter to Rushford, 
Allegany County, N. Y. In 1840 came to Hadley, Lapeer County, 
Mich., and settled on section 24, and in 1844 moved to his present 
farm on section 4, where he has since resided; has made improve- 
ments in the^way of clearing up the land and in the erection of 
good substantial farm buildings. On arriving at the age of twenty- 
one years he was elected school inspector, holding the office eight 
years; has been township clerk several terms and a justice of the 
peace eight years. Married June 3, 1847, to Miss Lucina Flint. 
They have had five children, all of whom are living except one. 

Elwell Ivory was born in Dodge County, Wis., July 2, 1848. 
In 1854 he came with his parents to Hadley. Was brought up to 
farming, and has generally been engaged in that employment. In 
1872 he married Juha A. Browning, of Hadley, a native of New 
York. In 1882 he built on his farm in the southwest quarter of 
section 3, the tile and brick works which he is now carrying on. 
The clay used in these works is pronounced a fine pottery clay, the 
very best for pottery and terra cotta work. This is * underlaid by 
and in the manufacture is mixed with a fine, clear, blue clay. The 
engine is of fifteen horse power, carrying two Penfield machines, 
one for brick, the other for tile. The works employ seven to ten 
men, and have a capacity of 10,000 brick or 450 rods of two and 
one-half inch drain tile per day. Mr. Ivory deserves such active 
encouragement and support from the people of Hadley and vicinity 
as shall make his new enterprise a great financial success. 

J. A. Hodgson was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., Septem- 
ber 30, 1833. Came with his parents to Michigan in 1843 and 
settled in Elba. In 1854 he worked in Hauley and attended 
school. In 1866 he moved to Hadley and bought his present farm 
of the heirs of Charles Campbell. His land is the east half of east 
half of northeast quarter of section 9 and west half of west half of 
northwest quarter of section 10. January 1, 1856, he married 
Susan S. Campbell, and has two children. 

Silas Fosdick was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., January 28, 
1788. He was brought up to farming, which was his life occupa- 
tion. November 20, 1813, he married Susannah Davis, who was 
born in Ulster County, N. Y., July 3, 1792. In 1855 they came to 
Hadley and bought a portion of the Hart farm, viz. : 63| acres of 
southeast quarter of section 9, east of highway, and west half of 
southwest quarter of section 10. He died in Hadley January 25, 
1875, aged eighty-seven years. Mrs. Fosdick died April 9, 1881, 
in Hadley, aged eighty-nine. Children, Wilham Ashley, living in 
Dutchess County, N. Y.; Clorinda, widow of Harvey Riley, of 



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V 



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92 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



Hadley; Mary Louisa, died April 30, 1846; Charles D., died Janu- 
ary 12, 1855; Julia C, living on the homestead; John S., died May 
9, 1831; Olive Aletta, died June 16, 1857. 

Julius Kluss was born in Silesia, Prussia, September 24, 1829. 
He there learned and worked at wagon making. Came to this 
country in 1852 and worked at his trade eight years in Detroit. In 
1861 he moved to Ohio and in 1863 returned to Michigan, living 
six years at Eomeo, two years at Oxford, and five in Lapeer. Li 
1877 he came to Hadley, where he has since resided. Is now em- 
ployed in Walter M. Beden's shops. He is a faithful and skillful 
workman. In 1867 he married Maria Steinhauser. Has seven 
children. 

Norton T. Grandy was born in Wayne County, N. Y., March 
29, 1834, and was brought up to farming. In 1864 he came to 
Hadley and bought a farm south of the village. Went to Missouri 
for his health and was there engaged in farming several years. 
Eeturning to Hadley he farmed several years near his present loca- 
tion, then a half mile south. Eleven years ago he bought his pres- 
ent farm, east half of northwest quarter of section 17. Was mar- 
ried in 1859 to Philinda Lower. Has five children. 

Alonzo Hart was born in Monroe County, N. Y., May 16, 
1819. In July, 1835, he came with his father and brother Ansel to 
Hadley and commenced work upon the tract of land which his 
father had entered in the spring of ihe same year. A full descrip- 
tion of their settlement and work appears in the sketch of William 
Hart's life. In 1841 he married Amanda Griggs. In 1860 he 
moved to Iowa, where his wife died in 1872, leaving three children, 
who 'now reside in that State. After remaining there twelve years 
he returned to Hadley. In November, 1872, he married Juha Mer- 
win, of Elba, Lapeer County. Besides in the village of Hadley. 
Employed in shoe making, having followed that occupation the 
most of the time for the last twenty years. 

N. N. Green was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., 
February 2, 1843. During his infancy his parents and grand- 
parents came to Hadley, where his grandfather had previously 
bought a farm in sections 5 and 8, which he afterward divided 
among his children. N. N. was brought up on a farm which his 
father bought near the town hne. In May, 1863, he enhstedin the 
Ninth Michigan Cavalry, serving with the Army of the Cumber- 
land . Was with Sherman in the march to the sea. Was twice 
slightly wounded and once captured while carrying dispatches. 
Was mustered out July 25, 1865. In 1867 he married Alzina 
Heath, a native of Canada. They have six children, all of whom 
are at home. In 1875 he bought the farm on which he now 
resides, west half of southwest quarter and west twenty acres of 
south half of south half of northwest quarter of section 5, in all 100 

acres. 

John W. Campbell was born in Oneida County, N. Y., Decem- 
ber 23, 1813. He was brought up on a farm. In 1843 he came 
to Oakland County, Mich., and engaged in farming. In 1863 he 
moved to Lapeer County and bought his present farm, southeast 
quarter of northeast quarter and east half of southeast quarter of 
section 18. He also bought west half of northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 17, which his son now owns. Mr. Campbell was married in 
1810 to Eliza Durham, a native of Genesee County, N. Y., the 
marriage service being performed by Kev. Lyman P. Judson. 
They have one son, Flavel, and two daughters, Phoebe, wife of Dr. 
C. P. Felshaw, of Oakland County, and Sarah M., who -is now 
teachmg school in the village of Hadley. 

Silas F. Riley, son of Hiram Riley, one of the early settlers 
of Hadley, was born in Hadley, October 25, 1812. He was brought 
up on the old homestead (west; half of northwest quarter of section 
15 and east half of northeast quarter of section 16). In the spring 



of 1869 he bought the farm where he now lives. Has the south- 
west quarter of northwest quarter of section 16 and west fifty- two 
acres of west half of southeast quarter of section 17. In 1875 he 
married Elsia M. Wiltsie, of Fishkill, N. Y., and has three chil- 
dren. 

Andrew Snook was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., April 
12, 1828. When he was nine years old his parents moved to 
Wayne County, N. Y. In April, 1854, he canfe to Lapeer County, 
Mich., and rented a farm in Elba, where he remained three years, 
thf^n bought his present farm. He has now east half of northwest 
quarter, west half of west half of northeast quarter, and northwest 
quarter of southwest quarter of section 15, 160 acres. January 11, 
1853, he married Sophronia E. Smith, a native of Wayne County, 
N. Y., and has one son, Byron L., who assists in carrying on the 
farm, teaching school during the winter. Mr. Snook enhsted, Aug. 
9, 1862, in the Fourth Michigan Cavalry; was promoted sergeant 
and mustered out July 28, 1865. 

Walter M. Beden was born in Attica, Genesee County, N. Y., 
July 12, 1817. In 1821 his parents moved to Wayne County, N. Y., 
where he learned carriage and machine work. In May, 1836, they 
came to Hadley and located southwest quarter of northeast quarter, 
and northwest quarter of southeast quarter of section 21. July 5, 
'36, the family moved on the land, traveling through the woods 
seven miles, and for four miles cutting their road. On this place 
Mr. Beden lived until January, 1883, when he engaged in his present 
business of carriage and wagon work and blacksmithing. In 1853 
he built on his farm a saw-mill, in connection with which he oper- 
ated a sorghum-mill, cider-mill, turning lathe, etc. Has followed a 
variety of employments, farming, tanning, shoemaking, carriage- 
work, blacksmithing, and civil engineering. He helped build the 
third house in the village of Hadley. March 8, 1852, he married 
Carolme Cramer, of Pennsylvania. They have one child living; 
three having died. 

RuFus T. Sanborn was born in New Hampshire in 1815. The 
family afterwards resided in Attica, N. Y. He came with his par- 
ents to Hadley in 1836, where they located the west half of 
southeast quarter and* fractional southwest quarter of section 7,214 
acres. In 1841 he married Mary Dowd, a native of Berkshire, 
Mass. He spent his life on the old homestead and there died, in 
1864. The surviving children are: Lucius, living in Hadley; John 
M., of Otsego County; Juha, wife of Jasper S. Kitchen, of Cairo, 
Tuscola County, and Newton R., of Hillsdale County. Mrs. San- 
born, now Mrs. John Tharrett, resides on the old homestead. 

Harvey Riley was born in Genesee County, N. Y., July 31, 181 L 
January 3, 1836, he married Clarinda Fosdick, of Attica, Genesee 
County, N. Y. In May, 1836, he came to Hadley and entered the 
west half of the northwest quarter section 15, the patent for which 
is dated Aug. 5, 1837. On this land he put up a shanty and com- 
menced clearing. Mrs. Riley joined him here July 4, 1836. Mr. 
Riley was for many years deacon of the Free Will Baptist Church, 
of strong religious convictions and earnest and active in the advo- 
cacy of temperance and moral reform. Of the children born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Riley, four are living, two have died. Ashley Riley, 
born Nov. 17, 1836, lives m Saginaw County. He was the first 
living white child born in Hadley. David, born Aug. 9, 1838, 
living in Hadley; Harvey, Jr., born March 16, 1840, hving in 
MiUington, Mich.; Silas F., born Oct. 20, 1842, living in Hadley; 
Mary L., born July 20, 1847, died Oct. 14, 1865; Geo. W., liorn 
Dec. 20, 1852, living in Hadley. Mrs. Riley resides on the old 
homestead with her son, George W., occupying the log house which 
her husband built in 1836. 

Mahlon C. Tunison died in September, 1878, from the result 
of an injury received from ihe kick of a horse. He was the son of 






:^ 







Ellery a. Brownell. 



J^t 



5) 



hL 



HISTOKY OF LxiPEEE COUNTY. 



93 



Abraham Tunison, who, with Wilham Hart, were the first settlers 
of Hadley village. Mr. A. Tunison had a family of two sons and 
two daughters. The oldest son died soon after their settlement here, 
of a malarious fever. The oldest daughter married Cook Cramton 
and died about six years since. Mr. M. C. Tunison, the younger 
son, married the daughter of Ohver Davenport and settled at the 
old homestead. The younger sister married Mr. Andrew Geer, and 
resides in the township of Elba. She is the last survivor of the 
family. The deacons of the first Baptist society at its institution 
were Abraham Tunison and Daniel Hartwell. Both held their 
offices until death, Mr. Hartwell retaining his over forty years, till 
his decease, December 2, 1881, aged 89 years. 

Another pioneer not mentioned in Mr. Tunison's sketch, was 
Wm. Farrar, who came with his wife and a large family of children, 
and settled just south of Eri Potter and John Morse in 1887. Mr. 
Farrar died many years since. Mrs. Farrar was a native of Mas- 
sachusetts, removed thence to New Hampshire, where she married 
and resided for many years. They removed from New Hampshire 
to New York about 1833, and remained there four years, then came 
to Michigan. Their youngest son, Thomas Farrar, a young man 
of uncommon promise, enhsted as private in Company G, Seventh 
Michigan Infantry, and fell at the battle of Fair Oaks, 1862, but 
though left desolate, she remained at the old homestead till her de- 
cense, Dec. 2, 1881, at the age of 88 years. The numerous descend- 
ants of this family in the town and county are honored citizens. 



tow:n^ of dryden. 

This town, known in the government survey as township 6 
north, of range 11 east, belongs to the southern tier of townships. 
It adjoins Attica on the north, Almont on the east, Oakland County 
on the south and the town of Metamora on the west. 

The population of Dryden in 1840 was 807. 

Census of 1874: Population, 1,669; acres of taxable land, 
22,960; of improved land, 16,623; number of sheep, 6,362; of 
swine, 898; of neat cattle other than oxen or cows, one year old and 
more, 716; of horses, 696; of mules, 4; of work oxen, 31; of milch 
cows, 636; products of the preceding year, 30,486 pounds of wool, 
118,584 pounds of pork marketed, 150 pounds of cheese and 64,692 
of butter made ; bushels of wheat raised, 45,134; of corn, 35,264; 
of other grain, 52,344; of apples, 18,225; of pears, 399; of plums, 
81; of cherries, 875; of grapes, 4,560 pounds; of potatoes, 10,741 
bushels, and of hay, 2,233 tons; barrels of cider made, 519; pounds 
of fruit dried for market, 18,510. In 1874, 7,600 pounds of maple 
sugar were made. In 1880 the population was 1,535. 

Aggregate valuation of real and personal estate in 1882, as 
equalized by the board of supervisors, was f 873,000. 

The first annual town meeting for the town of Lomond, now 
Dryden, was held at the house of Daniel Smith, on the first Monday 
in April, 1837. John M. Lamb was moderator. The following 
were elected officers of the town: Supervisor, John M. Lamb; 
clerk, Joseph S. Gibbons ; assessors, Holden Tripp, John Thomp- 
son, Hiram Terry; commissioners of highways, John C. Hinks, 
John M. Lamb, Wm. C. Baldwin; justices of the peace, Jonathan 
T. Walton, Joseph S. Gibbons, John M. Lamb, Peter Walker; con- 
stables. Barton J. Curtis, John C. Hinks, Edwm T. Tennant; 
school inspectors, Sanford Kendrick, John ^I. Lamb, John C. 
Hinks; collector, Edwin T. Tennant; directors of the poor, Holden 
Tripp, Newman C. Griswold; overseers of highways, district No. 1, 
Benjamin Huntley, No. 2, Arit-k Sutherland, No. 3, Peter Moe, No. 
4, Albert Wright, No. 5, Josiah Goodrich, No. 6, James E. King, No. 
7, Nathaniel Terry. 



Voted, that a fence four feet and six inches high and four inch 
space between rails shall be considered a lawful fence. 

liesolcedy That Andrew Mattoon be poundJieeper. 

Uesolved, That a bounty of two dollars be paid for each wolf 
killed in the town by any inhabitant thereof. 

Thirty- seven votes were cast. 

At a special town meeting held May 6, 1837, John Thompson 
Avas elected clerk in the place of Joseph S. Gibbons, who failed to 
quahfy, and John M. Lamb, John Thompson, Sanford Kendrick 
and Peter Walker justices of the peace in place of the justices elect 
who failed to qualify. 

Another account states that the first town meeting was held at 
an old log school-house standing one mile north of the present site 
of Dryden village. 

Originally the township of Dryden was set of! from Lapeer, em- 
bracing what is now Attica, and was named Amboy. This name 
did not give satisfaction, and at the time Attica was set off as 
a separate town, a new name was sought to be apphed to Amboy. 
Some admirers of a land speculator by the name of "Lober," peti- 
tioned the legislature for that name, but by some mistake it came 
out in the act, "Lomond." This name was more distasteful than 
Amboy, and at the next session of the legislature a petition was 
sent in asking for the name of Richmond, but there were several 
towns in the State of that name, and some other had to be devised. 
S. D. McKeen was the representative from Lapeer County, and he 
wrote to John M. Lamb and Sanford Kendrick, to forward a name 
that would be generally satisfactory. Mr. Lamb requested Mr. 
Kendrick to suggest a name which he did, and the name of Dryden 
was selected in honor of the poet Dryden. 



TOWN OFFICERS 

1837— Supervisor, John M. Lamb; clerk, John Thompson; 
collector, Edwin T. Tennant. 

1838— Supervisor, John Thompson; clerk, John W. Day; 
collector, Edwm T. Tennant. 

1839— Supervisor, Loren Tainter; clerk, Henry LaRue; treas- 
urer, Ethan Sqaier. 

1840— Supervisor, Loren Tainter; clerk, Henry LaRue; treas- 
urer, Ethan Squier. 

1841 — Supervisor, James Freer; clerk, Henry LaRue; treas- 
urer, Arick Sutherland. 

1842 — Supervisor, John M. Lamb; clerk, Henry LaRue; treas- 
urer, Henry Van Kleek. 

1843— Supervisor, John M. Lamb; clerk, Henry LaRue; treas- 
urer, Henry Van Kleek. 

1844— Supervisor, John M. Lamb; clerk, John W. Day; treas- 
urer, Henry Van Kleek. 

1845 —Supervisor, John M. Lamb; clerk, Randolph S. Ban- 
croft; treasurer, Henry Van Kleek. 

1846— Supervisor, John M. Lamb; clerk, Joseph Chamberhn, 
treasurer, Henry Van Kleek. 

1847 — Supervisor, James Freer; clerk, John D. McRoberts; 
treasurer, Henry Van Kleek. 

1848— Supervisor, Seth Hall; clerk, John W. Day; treasurer, 
Henry Van Kleek. 

1819— Supervisor, N. Buel Eldridge; clerk, John W. Day; 
treasurer, William Quatermass. 

1850— Supervisor, N. Bael Eldridge; clerk, John W. Day; 
treasurer, WiLiam Quatermass; number of votes, 143. 

1851— Supervisor, N. Buel Eldridge; clerk, John W. Day; 
treasurer, Wilham Quatermass; number of votes, 181. 

1852— Supervisor, N. Buel Eldridge clerk, JohnW. Day; treas- 
urer, William Quatermass. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY 



1858 — Supervisor, Josiah Goodrich; clerk, Daniel W. Cole; 
treasurer, William Quatermass; number of votes, 220. 

1854— Supervisor, Josiah Goodrich; clerk, John W. Day; 
treasurer, William Quatermass. 

1855— Supervisor, Josiah Goodrich; clerk, John W. Day; treas- 
urer, Wilham Quatermass ; number of votes, 239. 

1856 -Supervisor, Henry Van Kieek; clerk, Uriah Gardner; 
treasurer, S. H. Miller; number of votes, 270. 

1857— Supervisor, Homer N. Parker; clerk, Uriah Gardner; 
treasurer. Miner Fuller. 

1858— Supervisor, Amos Stone; clerk, Uriah Gardner; treas- 
urer. Miner Fuller; number of votes, 312. 

1859— Supervisor, Homer N. Parker; clerk, John W. Day; 
treasurer. Miner Fuller. 

I860— Supervisor, Amos Stone; clerk, John W. Day; treas- 
urer, Miner Fuller; number of votes, 843. 

1861 — Supervisor, Amos Stone; clerk, Joseph Man waring; 
treasurer, John Gray; number of votes, 277. 

1862— Supervisor, Charles F. Laman; clerk, Albert Bartlett; 
treasurer, Joseph Darwood ; number of votes, 287. 

1868 — Supervisor, Charles F. Laman; clerk, Albert Bartlett; 
treasurer, Joseph Darwood; number of votes, 292. 

1861 — Supervisor, Henry Van Kleek ; clerk, Joseph Man waring ; 
treasurer, Benjamin K. Shin. 

1865— Supervisor, Charles F. Laman; clerk, William Quater- 
mass; treasurer, John Freer. 

1866— Supervisor, Charles F. Laman; clerk, Wilham Quater- 
mass; treasurer, John Freer. 

1867— Supervisor,^ ; clerk, N. B. Eld ridge; treasurer, 

Benjamin Terry. 

1868~Supervisor, ; clerk, N. B. Eldridge; treasurer, 

Frankhn Goodrich. 

1869— Supervisor, John Freer; clerk, John Weaver; treasurer, 
Frankhn Goodrich. 

1870 — Supervisor, John Freer; clerk, John Weaver; treasurer, 
Franklin Goodrich. 

1871— Supervisor, John Freer; clerk, Albert Bartlett; treas- 
urer, Yates Ferguson. 

1872— Supervisor, John Freer; clerk, Albert Bartlett; treas- 
urer, Franklin Goodrich. 

1878 — Supervisor, John Freer; clerk, Albert Bartlett; treas- 
urer, Franklin Goodrich. 

1874— Supervisor, John Freer; clerk, Albert Bartlett; treas- 
urer, Franklin Goodrich ; number of votes, 222. 

1875— Supervisor, Levi L. Sutton; clerk, Joseph Manwaring; 
treasurer, Joseph Darwood. 

1876 — Supervisor, Levi L. Sutton; clerk, Albert Bartlett; 
treasurer, Joseph Darwood; number of votes, 258. 

1877— Supervisor, John Freer; clerk, Heber McClusky; treas- 
urer, Joseph Darwood; number of votes, 267. 

1878— Supervisor, Levi L. Sutton; clerk, Albert Bartlett; 
treasurer, Joseph Darwood. 

1879— Supervisor, Levi L. Sutton; clerk, L. B. McNeil; treas- 
urer, Frankhn Goodrich; number of votes, 262. 

1880— Supervisor, Levi L. Sutton; clerk, Lorin B. McNeil; 
treasurer, Frankhn Goodrich; number of votes, 262. 

1881 — Supervisor, Joseph Manwaring; clerk, William H. H. 
Cheasbro ; treasurer, Joseph Darwood ; number of votes, 306. 

1882— Supervisor, Joseph Manwaring; clerk, Wilham H. H. 
Cheasbro; treasurer, Joseph Darwood; number of votes, 267. 

1888 — Supervisor, Joseph Manwaring; clerk, Perry H. Kobin- 
son; treasurer, Wilham J. Eeynolds; number of votes, 278. 



LAND ENTRIES PRIOR TO 1846. 

TOWNSmP 6 NORTH, RANGE 11 EAST. 

Section 1. Silas Southwell, December 13, 1884. 

Benjamin Gould, May 27, 1835. 

Luke Perkins, December 18, 1835. 

Albert J. Southwell, May 5, 1886. 

Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay, and George 
Beach, May 10, 1886. 

Martin Quatermass, July 5, 1836. 
Section 2. Andrew Mattoon, May 6, 1884. 

Daniel Smith, July 29, 1834. 

Arick Sutherland, June 24, 1835. 

Onesimus T. Curtis, July 14, 1885. 

Abner H. Fisher, October 22, 1885. 

John C. Hincks, November 13, 1885. 

Marcus Vilings, December 18, 1835. 

Jenius Huntley, December 24, 1835. 

Andrew Mahaffy, January 6, 1836. 

Andrew Mahaify, February 4, 1836. 
Section 3. Calvin Bateman, June 5, 1835. 

Abner H. Fisher, October 22, 1835. 

Amasa Messenger, November 27, 1835. 

Jedediah Messenger, November 27, 1885. 

Ira C. Day, March 3, 1886. 

John Stocksledger, May 26, 1836. 

Jesse Seeley, May 80, 1886. 

Wilham Quatermass, July 5, 1886. 
Section 4. Ira C. Day, May 3, 1836. 

Josiah Goodrich, Jr., April 27, 1886. 

Josiah Goodrich, Jr., May 8, 1886. 

Eliza Whittaker, June 15, 1886. 

Eliza Whittaker, June 16, 1836. 

Ebenezer Draper, June 16, 1836. 

Walter Thompson, M^y 26, 1887. 

Samuel J. Lewis, June 2, 1837. 

Samuel J. Lewis, September 29, 1888. 
Section 5. Joseph Gilman and Orrin Cartwright, March 24, 
1886. 

Lyman Wilcox, July 5, 1886. 

Gideon S. Wells, September 24, 1836. 

Jonathan T. Walton, November 29, 1836. 

Simeon Hodges, May 29, 1887. 

Jacob Eoff, September 28, 1888. 

Mh.rvin Reed, May 29, 1840. 
Section 6. Jason Gibbs, July 2, 1886. 

John Blow, May 29, 1837. 

William Moe, July 15, 1837. 

James Blow, July 21, 1838. 

Russell Bishop, September 21, 1888. 

William Moe and Hiram Squier, March 9, 1889. 

John Courter, December 8, 1840. 

Ehzabeth Courter, May 27, 1841. 

Luke F. Roscoe, December 19, 1843. 

Cassander H. Philo, June 17, 1844. 
Section 7. Peter Walker, May 28, 1886. 

Jason Gibbs, July 2, 1886. 

John Brooks, July 13, 1836. 

James Blow, July 23, 1888. 

Maria Dann, March 27, 1889. 

Benjamin Thorne, August 7, 1889. 

Wilham Griffin, August 31, 1889. 

Benjamin Skidmore, October 29, 1839. 



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HIBTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



95 



Section 8. Joseph Oilman and Orrin Cartwright, March 24, 1836, 
Beriah Matteson, September 16, 1836. 
Paul Spafford, November 12, 1836. 
Peter Dusing, November 16, 1836. 
Jacob Eoff, September 3, 1838. 
Peter Dusing, May 17, 1839. 
Jacob Eoff, May 21, 1839. 
Benjamin Skidmore, October 29, 1839. 
Section 9. Timothy Utley, April 8, 1836. 
Ehza Whitacre, April 8, 1836. 
Dewit Denton, May 20, 1836. 
Peter Dusing, November 16, 1836. 
Oeorge Sweet, December 22, 1836. 
Charles Wright, December 22, 1836. 
WiUiam Twite, August 19, 1839. 
Section 10. Kobert 0. Curtis, July 22, 1835.- 

Amasa Messenger, November 27, 1835. 
Oliver Lewis, April 22, 1836. 
John W. Day, May 11, 1836. 
Ezra Hood, May 30, 1836. 
WilHam Hayes, June 6, 1836. 
Ezra B. Hazen, June 23, 1836. 
Section 11. Joseph S. Oibbings, June 24, 1835. 

Charles W. Chamberlin, July 8, 1835. 
Ethan Squiers, December 24, 1835. 
John M. Chamberlin, December 29, 1835. 
OHver Lewis, April 22, 1836. 
Luman Squiers, May 19, 1836. 
Hiram Squier, May 19, 1836. 
John W. Squier, June 17, 1836. 
Section 12. Alfred Bacheller, October 7, 1834. 
Isaac Smith, May 29, 1835. 
Holden Tripp, November 27, 1835. 
Isaac Smith, December 5, 1835. 
Asa Huntley, February 22, 1836. 
Asa Huntley, February 25, 1836. 

David Smith, March 1, 1836. 

John Taylor, Jr., March 14, 1836. 

Nathan Dickenson, William H. Imlay and George 
Beach, March 29, 1836. 
Section 13. John M. Lamb, January 23, 1836. 

John M. Lamb, March 24, 1836. 

Nathan Dickenson, William H. Imlay and George 
Beach, March 29, 1836. 

Peter Van Every, April 29, 1836. 

David Lee, November 12, 1836. 

Henry Hawkins and Van Eensselaer Hawkins, April 
13, 1837. 
Section 14. John Frasier, December 24, 1835. 

Peter Desnoyers, March 7, 1836. 

Aaron Moe, March 9, 1836. 

Peter Desnoyers, March 10, 1836. 

Peter Van Every, April 29, 1836. 

Sanford Kendrick, May 19, 1836. 

Nathaniel C. Naramor, June 16, 1836. 

WiUiam Euby, July 1, 1836. 

Francis Ruby, February 16, 1836. 
Section 15. Hiram Squier, May 19, 1836. 

Sanford Kendrick, May 19, 1836. 

George Squier, May 19, 1836. 

Homer S. Beardsley, September 16, 1836. 
James R. Jackman, October 11, 1836. 

Hiram Harris, January 16, 1837. 



Section 19. 

Section 20. 
Section 21. 



Section 22. 



Section 16. Henry Hawkins and Van Rensselaer Hawkins, Feb- 
ruary 10, 1837. 
Section 17. Perlina Wright, November 9, 1836. 
Isaac Parshall, April 15, 1837. 
James Freer, September 6, 1841. 
George J. Sweet, June 17, 1841. 
Thomas Riches, July 16, 1842. 
Section 18. Alfred Bacheller, September 30, 1836. 
Lodama Bacheller, December 17, 1836. 
David Taylor, November 10, 1836. 
Henry and Van Rensselaer Hawkins, April 17, 1837. 
James Freer, January 1, 1841. 
Ames M. Freeman, September 14, 1836. 
Daniel Freeman, September 14, 1836. 
Hollister Lathrop, September 14, 1836. 
Miles Cady, February 22, 1837. 
Miles Cady, April 15, 1837. 
Henry Hawkins and Van Rensselaer Hawkins, April 

17, 1837. 
Cornelius R. Strong, June 13, 1836. 
Sarah F. Leech, October 28, 1836. 
Benjamin Haines, January 25, 1837. 
David Paddock, April 15, 1837. 
Cyrus Chirchill, April 15, 1837. 
Albert G. Southwell, June 10, 1839. 
Archibald Johnson, November 29, 1844. 
Section 23. Elijah Bachelor, February 25, 1836. 
James H. Porter, March 7, 1836. 
John D. McRoberts, May 30, 1836. 
Noah Cooley, May 30, 1836. 
George A. Neal, May 30, 1836. 
James Hines, May 30, 1836. 
Robert Leech, June 11, 1836. 
Section 24. Ehjah Bachelor, February 25, 1836. 

Charles Bachelor, March 7, 1836. 

Robert Leech, June 11, 1836. 

Stephen Van Fleet, September 16, 1836. 

Samuel Hovey, January 19, 1839. 

Samuel Culver, August 12, 1839. 

George Jones, September 6, 1839. 

James W. Benjamin, September 7, 1839. 

Harley K. Fox, July 1, 1839. 

Ehzabeth H. Bancroft, September 22, 1842. 

John D. McRoberts, July 22, 1839. 
Section 25. Noble Culver, July 27, 1835. 

Hiram Terry, November 11, 1835. 

Nathaniel Terry, May 10, 1836. 

George B. Meeker, April 1, 1846. 

Zaramba Middleditch, June 22, 1846. 

George H. Neal, July 13, 1846. 

Schuyler Irish, December 2, 1837. 

James Miller, December 3, 1837. 

James Miller, June 22, 1841. 

James W. Benjamin, September 7, 1841. 

WiJHam Hector, December 25, 1839. 

Daniel B. Miller, August 12, 1844. 
Section 26. George A. Neal, July 6, 1836. 

James Hinds, July 6, 1836. 

George Boyer, September 26, 1836. 

Wilham C. Baldwin, December 2, 1836. 

Piiilo Atwel], June 5, 1837. 

Walter H. (Spencer, October 17, 1838. 

David Atwell, December 19, 1839. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



Section 30. 



Section 31. 



Section 27. George A. Neal, July 6, 1836. 

David Clmrchill, March 16, 1839. 

Zachariali Sage, April 1, 1839. 

Zachariah Sage, April 13, 1839. 

Nathan Gralpin, February 15, 1842. 

James Mair, August 30, 1844. 

Zachariah Sage, June 11, 1840. 
Section 28. William Betts, January 21, 1836. 

James Allen, January 27, 1837. 

James S. Deming, October 13, 1837. 

Sanford Porter, May 10, 1839. 

Marvin Wilber, September 18, 1839. 

Marvin Wilber, November 11, 1839. 

Stephen Grinnell, December 7, 1839. 
Section 29. Brainard Osborn, June 17, 1836. 

William Betts, June 21, 1836. 

William H. Farrand, June 21, 1836. 

Hollister Lathrop, September 14, 1836. 

James Allen, May 27, 1837. 

Marvin Wilber, December 7, 1839. 

Caleb Wilber, Jr., April 23, 1841. 

Caleb Wilber, November 5, 1841. 

Corydon Wilber, November 25, 1844. 

Stillman Bates, June 3, 1836. 

Horace A. Jenison, June 11, 1836. 

Samuel Ewell, June 17, 1836. 

Silas Tichenor, July 11, 1836, 

Henry Churchill, A.pril 20, 1836. 

Daniel W. Camp, April 20, 1836. 

Thomas Greenfield, April 20, 1836. 

Giles M. Boardman, April 20, 1836. 

WiUiam Plumb, 2d, April 20, 1836. 

William Humphrey, June 1, 1836. 

William Hodkinson, June 9, 1836. 

Samuel Ewell, July 8, 1836. 

Stephen Grinnell, October 12, 1836. 

Washington Allen, October 12, 1836. 

George Smith, January 16, 1837. 

James Allen, May 27, 1837. 

David Hill, July 7. 1838. 

John Sowles, May 17, 1844. 
Section 34. Ebeiiezer M. Phelps, December 20, 1836. 

Abel Williams, January 1, 1839. 

Marvin Cady, February 25, 1839. 

Sanford Porter, May 10, 1839. 

Marvin Cady, August 21, 1839. 

George W. Dwelle, November 19, 1840. 

George W. Dwelle, October 21, 1841. 

James Mair,-August 30, 1844. 
Section 35. Abram Robeson, September 26, 1836. 

Isaac Parshall, April 15, 1837. 

Marquis Nye, December 15, 1838. 

George Boyer, May 1, 1840. 

Edward Meeker, May 12, 1840. 

Ezra S. Perry, December 25, 1841. 

Archibald Johnson, November 29, 1844. 
Section 36. James Scott, June 4, 1836. 

John S. Townsend, June 7, 1836. 

Noble Culver, July 27, 1835. 

Miles J. Beach, February 17, 1836. 

Elias Beach, February 17, 1836. 

Edward Eells, May 17, 1836. 

Milton Beach, May 25, 1842. 



Section 32. 



Section 33. 



EARLY HISTORY. 

In tracing the early history of Dryden there is some doubt as 
to the accuracy of a few dates, but the statements are generally as 
correct as can be made after the lapse of nearly fifty years. Most 
of the early actors upon the scene are gone, and those who remain 
are aged people whose memories have weakened with the increase 
of years. A historical sketch of Dryden was written in 1876 by the 
late Lucius Kendrick, some portions of which are given in this 
chapter. 

The history of Dryden dates back to the year 1834, when 
Andrew Mattoon settled on section 2. He had come up the year 
before and built a shanty in Almont Township. The settlers of 
1834 were Andrew Mattoon, Levi Washburne, Amasa Messenger, 
Jedediah Messenger and Hugh McKay. They came from Macomb 
County, and made their way from the northern settlements of that 
county by a road of their own construction, some fourteen miles 
through the woods. This road was known for years as the *'old 
Messenger road." These men all settled in the north part of the 
tow^n upon the heavy timber land, and what they esteemed to be 
the most desirable portion. The oak timbered land was held in 
rather low estimate by these early settlers, as land that would not 
pay to cultivate. 

Silas Southwell entered land in the fall of 1834, but never 
became a settler in the town. 

In the year 1836 the greater portion of what is now Dryden, 
was bought principally by actual settlers. In this year large addi- 
tions were made to the population. John M. Lamb, Sanford Kend- 
rick, Holden Tripp, Arick Sutherland, Ethan Squier, Luman Squier, 
James E. King, Isaac Smith, Daniel Smith, Timothy Utley, James 
P. Whittaker, Jason Gibbs, John Freer, Oliver A. Lewis, Deacon 
Ehjah Look, Deacon Tainter, Peter and Aaron Moe, Jonathan T. 
Walton, John Thompson, James Goodenough, Henry and Andrew 
Mahalfy, Marcus Billings, John C. Hincks, Luke Perkins, Seth 
Hall, James Hodges, Martin Quatermass and Cyrus Perkins were 
among the principal settlers of that year; all men of moderate 
means but with more than the average energy of the men of those 
times ; as evidence of which it is only necessary to refer to that 
and the five years that followed to substantiate the claim. 

Those already named were followed by the following additions 
which were made to the population : Mr. John Gould, Henry Van 
Kleeck, Rufus and Erastus We they, James Hines, Elijah Bartlett, 
Joseph Winslow, James Miller, Andrew Wood, James H. Holcomb, 
Ira P. Holcomb, Abel Williams, Chauncey Morgan, Bowdowine Ter- 
willager, J. F. Jackman, Moses F. Jackman, Sanford Maynard, N. 
T. Taylor, Miles Cody, Augustus Hilliker, Philo Atwell, Thomas 
Stafford, Jacob Miller, Homer N. Parker, John Meaker, Philo 
Meaker, Nathan S. Beardsley, Noble Calver, Nathaniel Terry, Jas. 
Hovvard, Benjamin Kniffin, John S. Fellow^s, H. B. Fall and Ben- 
jamin Thorne. 



WHIGVILLE. 

In the winter and spring of 1837 and '38, quite a colony from 
some of the southern counties located in the southwest part of the 
town, chief among whom were Joel Dudley, James Allen, Washing- 
ton Allen, Stephen Grinnel, John and James Phelps, James Dem- 
ing, Robert Townsend, Uriah Townsend and Jacob Moore. With one 
or two exceptions they were all Whigs, and hence the name of Whig- 
ville was given to the locahty. Mr. Dudley and Jas. Allen were among 
the many who left this town at the first excitement as to gold in 
California, in 1849. Mr. Allen hved to get back, but Dudley died 
before reaching the much desired El Dorado. Mr. Allen died 
soon after his return. Mr. Uriah Townsend is the only one of all that 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



97 



colony who is now living, as also is his wife. Mr. Townsend is a 
man of remarkable activity for a man of his age, being as sprightly 
and active as a boy of twenty. He has for a number of years given 
- up worldly pursuits and lives in the village of Dryden. 

•k MEMORABLE PERIOD. 

The years 1836 and '37 constitute a memorable epoch in tlie 
history of Dryden, on account of their unfruitfulness. On the 16th 
of May, 1836, there was a fearful snow-storm, and on the following 
night a heavy and killing frost. The forest, which was all in full 
leaf, in three days presented the appearance of October. All tender 
plants and vegetation were killed or greatly damaged, and all nature 
for a time seemed to put on the garb of mourning. After a while 
the trees put out new foliage, and nature seemed to make an effort 
to recover from the shock, but the season was cold and unproduc- 
tive, and the new settlers suffered correspondingly. The winter of 
1836-'37 was severe, both as to the intensity of the weather and the 
amount and long continuance of the snow. On the 1st day of 
May of the following spring there were quite large amounts of snow 
on the ground, and the ice in the great lakes did not break up so as 
to admit of the running of boats from Detroit to Buffalo until the 10th 
or 15th day of May. During all that long and dreary winter it would 
have been a matter of surprise to those left behind in the old homes 
at the East to have seen how patiently these new settlers bore up 
amid all the gloomy and forbidding surroundings. During the day 
there might have been heard the ax of the unaccustomed chopper 
in all directions. His object was two-fold: first, to cut down the 
forest and prepare for a crop the coming year, and, second, to pro- 
vide hungry and starvmg cattle with ''browse." At night and dur- 
ing all its lonely hours, could be heard the dismal and wild howl of 
the wolf, and occasionally the shrill scream of the panther. This 
was rather wild and unwelcome music to those who were heart-sick 
and homesick in the far-off wilds from a pleasant home in the East. 
Oftimes might have been heard issuing from those lonely cabins in 
the dense, dark forest in the early hours of the evening and again 
in the small hours of the night, the favorite words of Selkirk while 
on the desolate island of Juan Fernandes, solitary and alone, when 

he sang: 

Society, friendship and love. 

Divinely bestowed upon man ; 
Oh ! had I the wings of a dove, 

How soon would I taste you again. 

Then again might have been heard in a more plaintive wail 
from some one of the lonely group, these words from the disconso- 
late poet : 

"How fleet is the glance of the mind; 

Compared with the speed of its flight, 
The tempest itself lays behind, 

And the swift winged arrows of hght. 

My friends — do they now and then send 

A thought or a wish after me? 
Oh! tell me I yet have a friend. 

Yet a friend I am never to see." 

Then, taking a little more hopeful view of the situation, they 
would close out with the consoling refrain: 

"But there is mercy in every place, 

And mercy, encouraging thouglit, 
Gives every condition a grace, 

And reconciles man to his lot."' 

Never before nor snice have the people" had such sad experi- 
ences as those of 1836-'37. Snow came early and remained with 
constantly accumulating volume, and by the middle of December it 
had obtained the depth of two feet. In the month of January 
there came on, for a few hours, a violent and heavy rain-storm ac- 
companied with sleet. Suddenly it turned cold, forming a crust 



upon a body of snow some two feet in depth, of sufficient strength 
to bear up a person. Taking advantage of this condition of things, 
the people almost all turned hunters. The woods were full of game 
but comparatively few of the settlers had been able to avail them- 
selves of the most coveted part of it, and now that the game could 
be caught by dogs with little or no trouble, each householder set 
himself to work to supply himself with venison. All the dogs in 
the country, great and small, were brought into service in the chase 
of deer, which were easily overtaken and caught. Just as soon as 
they started upon the bound their sharp feet penetrated the crust 
and a run of a few hundred yard^ would tire them out, and their 
capture was easily made. In this way hundreds of them were 
slaughtered and the people became surfeited upon venison. Wolves 
fared sumptuously and the poor deer grew smaller in numbers with 
each succeeding day while the crust lasted, which was for some 
weeks. Probably there never was such a wholesale slaughter of the 
innocents in corresponding times before or since, neither has there 
since been so plenty of that desirable kind of game. 

The long and anxiously looked-for spring finally came, and 
with it the labors and hardships incident to a new country and a 
people of limited means. 

SCARCITY OF PROVISIONS. 

It was during the spring and summer of 1837 that the greatest 
scarcity of provisions of all kinds prevailed, and there probably 
never w^as a time during the settlement of the town that the people 
were so poorly provided with the means of purchasing the needed 
supplies as during that year. Flour was held firmly at from f 15 
to ^16 per barrel, and pork from f 25 to |30; of the latter there 
was but little used. We know of one barrel being brought from 
Detroit and divided between four or five families, and this was all 
they had of that kind of meat for the season. At one time when it 
was known that every family was out of pork, a wag of a fellow 
made the significant remark, "It would be an excellent time to be 
vaccinated for the small-pox." 

During the summer flour was so exceeding scarce and dear, 
and the people so destitute of means to buy with, that the most 
forehanded of the settlers had to take jobs to chop and clear land 
for f 10 per acre, and sow the same with wheat, furnishing the seed 
themselves, taking in payment for the labor and seed flour at the 
rate of $15 per barrel. This was very humiliating and taxing to 
these men who had before supposed themselves to be quite in- 
dependent. But certain speciflators, seeing and knowing their 
necessity, made it the occasion of their opportunity, and apparently 
succeeded for a time, but the success was merely transitory. These 
speculators had fancied large advances in the price of their lands 
80 improved, and the land they held adjacent to these improve- 
ments. Time demonstrated the folly of their hopes and estimates. 
The great crash in money matters during 1837 and 1838, with 
the effects following for several years thereafter, created a stagna- 
tion in all commercial transactions, and more especially in the sale 
of wild lands, tliat made it anything but agreeable or profitable to 
hold them. Taxes were constantly accumulating, and from year to 
year adding to the cost of the land, and no sales. Very many 
speculators abandoned their lands altogether and suffered them to 
be sold for taxes, while others would sell for half or three-fourths 
of the purchase money, and glad of so fortunate a chance. Those 
were men who bought on borrowed capital, in the hopes of being in 
a short time vastly rich, but the reverse was the result— they be- 
came vastly poor. 

The company who sold the flour and secured the clearing of 
their land at such ruinous rates to the settlers never profited by 
their oppression; on the contrary, their lands became a drag to 
them, and they cursed the day that made them the owners of 



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98 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



Michigan wild lands. The most of them have long since gone to 
their reward. 

EARLY MATKIMONY. 

The first wedding in town was in November, 1836 — Mr. Israel 
Curtis to a widow Fox, at the house of Mr. Isaac Smith, by Caleb 
Carpenter, Esq. 

During the years from 1835 to 1810, the currency of the peo- 
ple, with but few exceptions, was one and the same, lumber and 
shingles; more especially the latter. Lumber was held at about 
from $4 to |8 per M, and shingles about $1 per M. The nearest 
points of trade where goods were kept in any quantity was Komeo 
and Lapoer, about fifteen miles to each. Ox teams, with few 
exceptions, were all the motive power in style, and these answered 
to clear the land, harrow in the grain, go to mill, to meeting, to 
market, and to draw the sled with the intended bride upon it to get 
married. The wedding tour was varied according to the means and 
taste of the parties, and the marriage fee was regulated by the cir- 
cumstances of the case. We have in remembrance an instance 
where a young couple found it necessary to have the marriasfe 
ceremony said over to them, to act a httle retroactively. The 
minister's services were secured at a certain time on the following 
morning, about half-past six. At the time appointed the expectant 
couple, with two attendants, could have been seen wending their 
way over and through a new fallow of burnt logs to the house of 
the parson. The ceremony was short and to the point; they were 
pronounced "man and wife," and they breathed easier. The happy 
bridegroom took the minister one side, and told him he was short of 
funds, but if he had any work to do he would be ready at any time 
to do it. The "first babe" of this happy couple was born in time to 
have played among the black stumps of the fallow crossed by the 
bridal party on their way to the minister's on that early Sunday 
mor jing. The father and bridegroom in due time worked for the 
minister three days, clearing off his new fallow, and the fee w^s 
canceled. 

Another incident of pioneer marriage and backwoods wedding 
is in the memory of some at least of the early settlers — a real 
"rustic wedding." The twain to be united were somewhat advanced 
in age, and practiced in economy. The officiating clergyman was 
one of those shrewd, sharp wits, always ready for any and all oc- 
casions — a perfect gentleman as well as a joker. The ceremony 
was duly performed, and a substantial dinner of boiled beef, pork, 
potatoes, onions, cabbage and turnips had been partaken of by the 
hungry party, and the minister was about to depart, when the 
bridegroom beckoned him one side, and in a low and subdued 
whisper asked him what was the fee? Taken somewhat aback the 
minister stood a moment in suspense as to what he sliould say. 
"Well," said he, "I have three prices: Upper ten, |5; medium 
people, $3; and niggers, 12 shillings." The economic bridegroom 
fumbled in his pockets a moment, and the minister left well paid 
for his day's experiences, and advanced knowledge of human 
nature. He entered in his diary for that day, "a good substantial 
dinner, and 150 cents cash, from wedding fee." 

EARLY EVENTS. 

The first frame building of any kind in town was a barn, built 
in 1837, by TCharles Wright, on the farm now owned by Joseph 
Smith, two miles east of Thornville. 

The first flouring-mill built in town, was by the Messrs. May- 
nard Bros., on a small spring brook one and a half miles south of 
Dryden village. This mill was built; in 1840, passed through a 
variety of changes and improvements, doing quite an extensive busi- 
ness, until the year 1870, when it was burned down, and has never 
been rebuilt. It was owned at the time by Mr. Julius Lee. 



The first school-house built in town was of logs, and the first 
school was taught by Henry Haines. The second school-house was 
also of logs, and built in what is now Dryden village, and th^ first 
school taught in it was by John D. McRoberts. 

Daniel Smith was the first hotel-keeper in town. The building 
was of logs, located one mile north of Dryden. Mr. Smith saw 
much of affiiction in the last years of his life, suffering some two 
years with a cancer on the face and neck, from the effects of which 
he died at the residence of his son in Imlay. 

John Blow was the first man to bring a plow into tow^n, and he 
claims plowed the first furrow. 

The first span of horses in the town was owned by John M.' 
Lamb, and the second span by Seth Hall. 

' Dr. N. B. Eldredge was the first physician that located in 
town, coming here about the year 1844, locating at the Corners, one 
mile north of Dryden village. He was a weU educated and success- 
ful physician, but he soon got disgusted with the calHng, took up 
the law, became an ardent politician and Democrat, of the liberal 
stamp however. In 1849 he was elected representative from this 
county in the lower branch of the legislature, and served one term. 
Leaving this town about the year 1853, he located in what is now 
Lapeer City, and made the law a specialty as a profession. In 1861, 
at the breaking out of the rebellion, he was one of the first to re- 
spond to the call for troops to put down the rebellion, and assisted 
to form a company in the county which formed a part of the famous 
Michigan Seventh, of which he w^as captain; he afterward became 
major of the regiment, and was with the regiment at the battle 
of Ball's Bluff, at which Colonel Baker, of the noted California 
regiment, was killed. He was afterward made colonel of the 
Michigan Eleventh which formed a part of the Army of the Cumber- 
land. 

PEKSONAL REMINISCENCES. 

The following reminiscences were gathered from the recollec- 
tions of Mr, and Mrs. John Blow and Mrs. Uttey, aged people, who 
settled in the northwestern part of Dryden between the years 1834 
and '37. Mr. Blow and a brother, James Blow, first came to Mich- 
igan and made locations about the year 1834. They put up at Mr. 
Mattoon's on this first visit. Mattoon had made a little clearing, 
and had a yoke of young cattle, but not a furrow plowed, and Mr. 
Blow assisted Mr. Mattoon in plowing a garden spot, and this was 
the first furrow turned in the town. John Blow and his wife live at 
the old homestead; James Blow has for years been hopelessly insane, 
and an inmate ol Pontiao Asylum. Mrs. Samuel Uttey lives with 
her son at their old homestead. She had a large family, triplets 
with all the rest, and has buried more than half her children and her 
husband. One of the triplets died in infancy, one was killed in 
early manhood by the fall of a tree, the third lives at or near Dry- 
den village. 

The early settlers of Dryden were most of them very poor. 
Mr. John Blow, a pioneer, says that with but one or two exceptions, 
the people in the township were divided into two classes, the 
poor and the extremely poor, those included in the first class 
being fortunate enough to possess an ox team, the second had 
none, and depended upon such work as they could get to 
clear their land and get a living. The ox team in those days 
was almost an essential in getting a living, and few of the early 
settlers of the town were so happy as to possess one. In those 
days, while the land was being cleared, the only way in which 
one of the very poor settlers could get his land plowed, was to work 
for those who had teams a sufficient length of time to pay for team 
work to break the land, and in those days with the plows they had, 
they thought from three to five yoke of cattle, according to the state 
of the ground, only just enough to do the work. Many of them 










Resof-B.R. Emmons Almont.Tp. LAPeeR.Co.MicH 




Res. of Geo. Daven po rt. hAOLEY.T.p. Lapeer Co 



A: 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



99 



having expended their all for land had not even a cow or anything 
in the line of furniture, except what they made themselves. They 
were forced to work away, from home in the lumber camps, or any 
where else they could get employment, and many times their chil- 
dren cried for bread. When we add to this the suffering from some dis- 
ease incident to a change of chmate, the wonder is that any sur- 
vived, or that all did not forsake their clearings and try to find more 
inviting homes. Mrs. Blow relates an affecting incident which will 
show the severe suffering these pioneers endured: 

**One fall we had ah been sick with chills and fever, John, the 
children, and myself. He being unable to work, we had nothing to 
eat but the potatoes and turnips in our garden. This was not the food 
we needed, but we did as well as we could, knowing that we were 
as well off' as most of our neighbors. I had suffered so much that 
I got very weak and babyish, and one day I was thinking about our 
pork barrel that stood in the shed with some brine in it, and won- 
dered if there was not one little scrap of meat, in it; it seemed just 
as if there must be some there. I called John and to please me, he 
went and emptied the brine out of the barrel; there was a thick lay- 
ing of salt in the bottom; he put his hand into it to satisfy me, and 
found a piece of pork. He scraped away the salt and found a whole 
laying of pork on the bottom of the barrel. We both cried 
over that meat; it was just what we needed then, and in a little 
while we were able to work again." 

Mrs. Uttey says: " But worse than everything else, many of 
the men loved whisky better than their families, and the scant 
earnings of the father went to buy whisky for himself, instead of 
bread for his family. " 

One resource was left to these poor people. In the township 
at the north of them, now known as Attica, there was plenty of 
pine timber, and they would go into these forests and take logs 
suitable for shingle bolts, and make shingles, not esteeming it any 
wrong to appropriate what they so much needed, or to cut timber on 
the lands of the government or of speculators. 

Some of the wives of these early settlers did far more for the 
well being of their families and society than their husbands. 

Another pioneer of later date, a settler in the township within 
the first decade of its history, locating just on the north hne, 
was Simon Hodges, whose eccentricities though he has for years 
been dead, are stih laughed over by the early settlers. He belonged 
to what Mr. Blow called the "poor class," being the happy possessor 
of an ox team besides bis land, a wife and seven children. One 
story that illustrates his character is told with great gusto by his 
old neighbors, and Dr. Caulkins, who was one of the actors in the 
httle scene. 

Mr. Hodges' oldest son, a youth of seventeen or eighteen years 
of age, the better to assist his family, some time after his father's 
settlement on his new farm, went to work in the woods on Belle 
River, and while there was attacked with the malarial fever so prev- 
alent in a new country. He made a desperate effort to reach his 
home, and succeeded in doing so; but after walking most of the 
way, as might be imagined, was in a pitiful condition from fever 
and exhaustion, and grew worse so rapidly that during the foUow^- 
ing night a messenger was hastily dispatched to Thorneville for the 
doctor. There was no road for much of the way except a trail that 
could only be followed by footmen or on horseback, and the doctor, 
who had but just come into the place, was perfectly ignorant of the 
route; but he mounted his horse, and guided by the messenger, 
who carried a lantern, he made his way through the darkness and 
rain, for it was a stormy night, as best he could, and at last reached 
his destination. On his arrival he found the family in great 
anxiety and no smaU alarm, with reason, the doctor thought, on a 
hasty examination of his patient. 'He at once took measures for 



the rehef of the sufferer, and sat down to watch the effect of the 
remedies. As he sat there watching the poor fellow who lay as 
pale and almost as lifeless as a corpse, noting with astonishment 
the huge frame before him, and considering his youth, the hard 
labor he had been pursuing, his overgrown bulk, and the exertions 
he had made to reach his home while it was possible for him to do 
so, he was not without grave apprehensions as to the result. The 
father, a keen observer, evidently divined wiiat was passing in the 
doctor's mind, and at last addressed him thus: 

"Guess you think he's a pretty big boy." 

"Yes," was the reply, ''a pattern cut out for a large man. How 
old is he?" 

"Seventeen, most eighteen," replied the father; "he's a big 
boy and a good boy, too. Why he's worked out and bought us all 
the flour we've had since we've been here, and if he should die I 
don't know what we should do. I declare I'd rather lose my oxen !" 

Happily the parent's feelings were spared so severe a test, for 
youth and a good constitution, aided by the doctor's skill, triumphed 
over the disease, and the son still hves, a prominent and Ivealthy 
citizen of Attica. 

The following is from the sketch of Lucius Kendrick : 

"Among the early settlers was the quiet, sedate, and somewhat 
eccentric old bachelor, Levi Washburn, known among all his ac- 
quaintances as 'Deacon Washburn,' a name given him from his 
very staid and quiet demeanor and his straightforward and honest 
mode of dealing. He was a great hunter of wild game, and also a 
very reliable and successful 'land looker,' and for some two or three 
years, from 1835 to 1838, he was employed the most of the spring, 
summer and fall months in showing those in quest of wild land 
where they could find the object of their search. On one occasion 
he was employed by one Deacon Dickenson, a famous land spec- 
ulator, to assist him in looking up choice selections of land. 
Deacon Washburn led his brother deacon far into the dark, deep 
forest, some ten or twelve miles to the north of any settler; night 
overtook the two deacons in this far off* place in the wilderness, 
and obhged them to provide for a night's rest in the woods. As 
luck would have it they found themselves in the midst of a hemlock 
grove, from the branches of which they made a couch and taber- 
nacle for the night. As a precaution against an attack from the 
wolves, Deacon W. hung his old coat high up on the branch of a 
tree, and the twain lay down to rest; one to sleep and the other to 
watch. Deacon Washburn was soon asleep, while the other deacon 
was unable to get a bit of sleep or close his eyes. Nine, ten and 
eleven o'clock, and no sleep for the watchful land speculator. In 
the meantime the sky became overcast with murky clouds, and the 
muttering of distant thunder and the frequent flashes of the 
lightning gave quite strong assurances of an approaching storm. 
Added to the gloom caused by the constantly approaching storm, 
and to make the situation the more terrible to the affrighted deacon, 
the wolves commenced their midnight howl, which in a short time 
approached a perfect pandemonium. And still the other deacon 
slept as sweet as a child, totally unconscious of what was passing, 
or the terror of his much affrighted companion. The rain came 
down in torrents, and the wind blew, and the tall forest trees swayed 
to and fro in the blast. The affrighted deacon could stand it no 
longer, and he called to Deacon Washburn to awake and advise 
what should be done. 

"Do you not think," said the much affrighted speculator, "that 
we shah be torn in pieces and eaten up by the wolves before morn- 
ing?" 

"No," said the quiet Washburn, "I have no such fears. I 
think we are perfectly safe." 

This did not satisfy Mr. Dickenson ; he thought they should 







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100 



HISTOKY OF LAPEER COUNTY 



D i2^ 



have a season of prayer, and called on Deacon Washburn to lead. 
This was a request that for the moment he knew not how to 
answer, as he was not in the habit of engaging in vocal jDrayer, so 
he replied : 

"You mistake me, Deacon D. I am not a deacon of the 
church, but of the world. Ah my prayers are made in secret to 
Him who seeth in secret and rewards openly." 

Whether they had any vocal prayer or not, tradition saith not. 
The storm after having spent its force passed over, and the stars 
shone out, and the wolves, although they kept up their mournful 
requiem, kept a respectful distance, and in due time dayhght 
dawned in the east and the sun came up, and it was probably the 
most welcome of any in the whole course of the life of one of the 
twain at least. They have long since passed from earth to their 
reward. 

James B. Whittaker, one of the settlers of 1836, was another 
of those eccentric persons who had an individiiahty peculiar to 
himself. He was a native of Ehode Island and thoroughly imbued 
with all the characteristics of the ocean coast. He was a practical 
digger, and a man of wonderful strength in his hands and arms. 
At the usual gatherings, such as town meetings and elections, he 
would am.use the boys in this wise : He would place himself about 
four rods from the boys who were provided with a quantity of 
^ potatoes; these the boys were allowed to throw at him, two of 
them throwing at the same time. The feat was this: He, 
with the forefinger of each hand pointed toward the boys, would 
receive the potatoes on the end of hisfingere, splitting the vegetables 
into fragments. This he would do almost invariably. On one of 
these occasions when Mr. Whittaker had been imbibing a little too 
freely the boys used frozen potatoes, and with such force as to 
nearly break his fingers. This so exasperated him that it was 
with some difficulty that they escaped his wrath, and it was about 
the last of his diverting the boys in that way. 

" Of the early pioneers of the town but few remain, a majority 
of them having passed that bourne from which none return. An- 
drew Mattoon and wife, who settled here as early as 1834, are still 
living, in the township of Attica; they having sold their original 
home some years since and located where they now reside. Mr. M. 
is probably the oldest man in this part of the county, being now 
over ninety years of age. He is quite infirm in health and nearly 
blind. His home, in the early history of the town, was always the 
resort of the weary and way-worn traveler, and his table was free to 
such as chose to share his hospitality. In the years intervening 
from those early days, he has seen much affliction. From a large 
family over one-half have passed over the river before them, and 
await the coming of the parents on the other shore." 

AN INDIAN SCARE. 

During the month of March of the year 1837, reports were in cir- 
culation among the settlers that a band of some three hundred 
Indir.ns were encamped in the wilderness north of the Flint, to the 
northeast of Lapeer, and that their movements were such as to 
cause serious apprehensions as to what might be the object of the 
savages. The knowing ones (and there are always such in all 
communities), were certain from what could be learned from the 
Indians that their object was anything else than peaceful. Wild 
stories were set afloat of the threats and declared intentions of the 
barbarians. Aunt Judah, a very knowing and credulous old lady, 
was quite voluble in ail the visitiug circles, detailing the incidents 
of early Indian barbarities in the olden times, most vividly remem- 
bered and touchingly described — of the murder and scalping of 
whole families and communities, the burning of dwelhngs and every- 
thing connected with savage warfare and human suffering by cap- 
tivity and living death. Stories of like cliaracter found their wav 



to the remote cabin of the timid pioneer, and for a time the terrors 
of a savage destruction of life and property were believed to be im- 
minent and more than probable. Here in the midst of a dense 
forest, liable at any time to an unseen and imaginary foe of magni- 
fied numbers and savage intent, the promptings to which on the 
part of the supposed savages could only be vaguely surmised by the 
frightened pioneer, days and weeks passed of painful suspense. No 
one could be found who had seen the redskins in person, and the 
most reliable news was generally third or fourth-handed from the 
one who had seen the Indians. One night about the middle of 
April of this year, after a somewhat sultry night for the time of 
year, there were strong indications of a rain storm, and as it had 
been quite dry for a week or two, my mother was busy just before 
dark in arranging the various means to secure what rainwater she 
could from that which would fall upon the somewhat large roof of 
the humble log house in the woods; in the early evening the clouds 
which had promised a plentiful shower lifted themselves into the 
heavens and disappeared; scarcely a breath of air was moving, and 
naught was to be heard except the occasional hoot of the owl, and 
the shrill whistle of the ever-present whip-poor-will, and the busy 
chattering of the katy-did and katy-didn't. At this time we had a 
boarder, whom for short we will call Mack. He was a man of con- 
siderable ability, fond of reading and music, and as a vocalist 
helped to while away many a lonesome hour, with a variety of songs, 
sacred and secular. The family retired to rest at the usual hour. 
There were two beds in the main room of the house, which, in fact, 
was all the room below. This room assumed the quadruple pur- 
pose of parlor, sitting-room, kitchen, cook-room and bedroom. In 
one of those beds in the corner of the room slept my father and 
mother, and in the other corner slept .Mack and myself. About 
eleven o'clock, and after the family were in the close embrace of 
Morpheus, they were all suddenly awakened by a loud noise — a 
crash, and by one blow from some unknown person, or cause, the 
lower sash of one of the front windows was thrown nearly across 
the room, and the glass nearly all broken out. Mack immediately 
sprang out of bed and ran to the door; he said, however, before 
reaching the door, *'This is the work of savages." On opening the 
door he saw, or thought he saw, the form of the retreating savage 
pass around and behind a large brush-heap near the house — he 
heard his stealthy and cautious step as he passed over the dry 
brush; there was no mistake about it. *' This," said the much 
excited Mack, "is the Wcirning to something terrible. We shall, in 
all probability, all be massacred and scalped before morning, and 
we may as well prepare for the worst." It would be idle to say we 
were not all of us terribly frightened. Mack had surely seen an 
Indian and heard his retreating footsteps. My mother, who was a 
woman of more than common nerve and energy, was on this occas- 
sion completely overcome, and wept quite passionately. When she 
had become sufficiently composed to express herself, she said she 
thought it cruel that after having endured so much as she had in 
bringing up a large family, she should be brought here into the * 
wilderness to be butchered by savages, and the victim of Indian 
ferocity. Father took things a little more cool, but was more or 
less excited, and expressed regrets of having come to Michigan — 
more especially as the removal from the East had been in direct 
opposition to the wishes of my mother and the most of the family. 
Danger was imminent, and something must be done, and that 
speedily. As good luck would have it, we had two guns — an army 
musket and a rifle — plenty of powder and lead, but no balls at 
hand. A light was at once made, and the windows closely cur- 
tained, so as to shield the family from being an easy and sure mark 
for the enemy. It would not do to waste time to run balls, as 
everything depended upon prompt action. Slugs in sufficient num- 



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HI8T0EY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



101 



bers for a shorfc battle were soon i^repared and the guns loaded; the 
muster of the effective iuen showed our force to be four— father, 
Mack, a younger brother, and the writer. My mother went into 
the chamber to be company for the younger children, with the un- 
derstanding that in case we w^ere overpowered and murdered, she 
and the children were to pass out of the chamber window on to the 
roof of the linter part, jump to the ground, and if possible escape 
to a place of safety. The next thing to be done was to dispose of 
the forces. The balance of the room aside from the space occupied bv 
the beds, was about sixteen feet square. In each corner of this 
space was stationed one of our number; two with axes and the 
other two with gims. Thus disposed of, we waited in quiet impa- 
tience, mixed with mortal fear, for the attack from without. - The 
agreement was that we were to sell our lives as dearly as possible, 
scarcely expecting it possible to escape the wrath and vengeance of 
our unseen foe, supposing, of course, they were in sufficient force to 
accomphsh any object they might have. One, two and three hours 
passed, and no attack; what could it all mean? "We had received a 
warning in a shape not to be misunderstood, and Mack had seen an 
Indian on the retreat. Was it not enough to w^arrant the putting our 
forces on the war footing and watching for the foe? This had been 
done, but still the foe kept in ambush and we were all alive. As the 
night wore its slow hours away, the air became chilly and we felt 
the need of a fire, which up to this time we had not presumed to 
build, for fear it might give the enemy an advantage over us. With 
much hesitancy, we resolved to have a fire, and one was built. 
Cautiously and wdth much fear, we left our several positions and 
drew up to the very cheerful fire. Each and all had their surmises 
and fears to express, but in low and subdued tones, not much above 
the whisper. , We still expected an attack, and that in all probabil- 
ity not one of our number would see the light of another day. In 
that state of mind it was very natural to traverse our past lives and 
present moral status, and see if we were prepared to exchange 
worlds, and if it would be well with us should it be our fate to do 
so that night. 

Gradually, and by degrees, the restraint which had acted like a 
spell upon us during the hours of inactivity and alarm grew less, 
and we began to converse with a little more freedom. The conver- 
sation naturally turned upon rehgious subjects and personal experi- 
ence. We w^ere certain that if we lived we would certainly do very 
much better, and try hard to be good if so be we were spared this 
great danger. Time passed a little more rapidly and unobserved while 
this conversation was being had, than in the former part of the 
night, and on noticing the clock we found it was three o'clock — and 
ail was well — all ahve and no attack. We listened for a time in 
hopes to catch some intimation of the position of our supposed un- 
seen foe ; all was still save the occasional croaking of the frogs in 
the pond near by. In the mean time the moon had risen, and was 
what is called three hours high, and was shining brightly on the 
front of our cabin. We had waited all this time and no develop- 
ment had .been made, and we were quite impatient to be relieved 
from our uncomfortable and tormenting dilemma. Cautiously, and 
with much trepidation, we ventured to open the door and take a 
survey, as far as possible, of the situation. We looked among the 
heaps of brush and as far as possible into the dark forest beyond; 
all was still, and an oppressive silence, like the house of death, was 
impressed on everything. As we stood there vaguely speculating 
upon the results of the night and its watcliings, onr attention was 
drawn to a wide board, some sixteen feet long, with one end lying 
directly under the window that had been so suddenly thrown into 
the room, while the other end rested upon the wash-tub, sitting 
under the eaves of the stoop. A rake that we used for raking leaves 
and brush lay with one end under the eaves of the stoop and the 



other near the window also, and by the edge of the board. In a 
moment the whole thing was explained. In all probability our pet 
hog (we had but one) had come along and rubbing against the rake- 
which supported one end of the board which my mother had placed 
under the roof to conduct the rain-water into the tub, had turned 
it out of position sufficiently to cause it to fall, and the rake was of 
the right length to bring the corner of the board against the sash, 
with the result as stated. The innocent cause of all our fright and 
alarm was doubtless frightened by the fall of the board, and was 
running away when Mack opened the door and saw the savage and 
heard his footsteps. A hearty laugh over our folly and fright, and 
we all retired for the few hours left of the night never to be forgot- 
ten. 

On the Monday following we thought it would be well to have 
the guns discharged, as we supposed them too heavily loaded for 
any ordinary game, and the musket in particular, was so subject to 
recoil when fired of! with a heavy load, that none of us had the 
courage to discharge it. To avoid all mishaps in this direction, the 
breech of the gun was placed against a stump and so fastened as to 
hold it in position, a string some sixteen feet long was tied to the 
trigger and pulled off, carrying the slugs about twenty feet, with a 
report about as loud as an ordmary popgun. This showe'd us what 
kind of soldiers we were, and how well we were provided for an In- 
dian attack. 

In the course of a couple of weeks we were quite surprised to 
see a company of the redskins come into our enclosure, each of 
whom was provided wuth a gun and the usual traps of an Indian. 
For a moment we were really frightened, as there were some ten of 
them, but they only made a halt and passed on. From what we 
afterward learned, this was about the whole of the three hundred 
supposed to be encamped, as before stated, and this was the last 
of our Indian experiences. 

EARLY RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 

Eev. Abel Warren, of precious memory, was the first minister 
to find his way to this town, and probably preached the first sermon 
in town. For several years did this noble veteran of the cross visit 
the people of the town from his home some twenty miles away in 
the town of Washington. It is safe to say that no minister since 
that time has had the love and esteem of this people more than did 
this faithful and devoted man. In the year 1855 he w^as preacher 
in charge on this circuit, which was nearly the last of his ministerial 
labors. He has long since passed to his reward, and his memory 
is precious with those who knew him. 

Elder Cannon was also a pioneer preacher in this part of the 
county. Meetings used to be held at the humble homes of the 
settlers. At one time there was preaching in Asa Huntley's new 
barn, just after its completion. Then the old log school-house 
with its wide fire-place and rude benches, and then the early church 
building. 

The first house of worship in the town was bnilt by the Baptists 
at Thornevilie about the year 1813. It was a primitive affair, and 
in 1817 a neat church building was erected under the leadershin of 
Eev. Daniel Amraerman. Eev. Ammerrnan either concluded he 
had' missed his calling or the church had made a mistake calling 
him; at any rate he left them and engaged in other pursuits, 
drifted from one thing and calling to another, until the last that 
was heard from him "he w^as not heard from," and probably does 
not wish to be. The society declined, and for many years the 
building has been occupied by any denomination that desired to 
hold religious service. 

During the winter of 1847-'48 the Eev. Mr. Simmons, a Baptist 
evangelist, came to Dryden to hold a protracted meeting at the 
school-house one mile north of Dryden village. At that time there 



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HISTOKY OF LAPEEK COUNTY, 



was quite a society in town of what was called Close Communion 
Baptists. Deacons Tainter, Holmes and Cunming were the most 
prominent members. At this time there was som.e thirty members 
in the church. Elder SimmoDS continued his meetings some two 
or three weeks, with more or less success, not, however, with the 
degree that satisfied the evangelist. The church was called upon 
to work also as evangelists, and go from house to house, and if 
need be, "compel them to come iu." A course was soon resolved 
upon, and that was for certain of the members and other workers 
in the cause to go during the day (meetings were only held nightly) 
throughout the different neighborhoods and talk and pray with the 
people at their homes. This was done with more success than 
could have been expected under the circumstances. One of the 
brethren who was assigned to the north part of the town, in the 
course of his round visited a man who seldom, if ever, went to the 
house of worship, and the visiting brother made up his mind that 
it would have been a benefit to him to have been a little more con- 
versant with religious etiquette. Once admitted to the house, and 
after the usual formalities, the brother said to the head of the 
family that he had come to talk with him and the family on the 
subject of religion, and the salvation of himself and family. The 
man mad^ but little reply, but kept himself busy at work on a pair 
of boots upon which he was pegging the bottoms. The brother 
talked and the man pegged away at his boot with all the more 
vigor, replying at times in a short, gruff manner, and giving our 
friend but little encouragement that the good seed was being sown 
on very promising soil. Not meeting with that success that he 
could wish by way of his exhortations and entreaties with the man 
to pay some heed to that which so immediately concerned him, he 
proposed a season of prayer. "Yes, you can .pray as much as you 
please if that will suit you," said the man. ' The brother read a 
portion of the Scriptures, shut up his Bible, and waited for the man 
to lay aside his work while prayer was being offered, but to no pur- 
pose. The man pegged away all the more fiercely, and with an 
energy that indicated that the work was promised the next hour, 
and must be finished. The brother finally engaged in prayer, and 
with much fervor prayed for the man and his family. The more 
earnest the prayer the more zealously did the man of boots peg 
away; not a cessation, but one vigorous and persistent pegging. 
Prayer being over the brother left, quite well satisfied in the doctrine 
of the total depravity of the race. That man still lives, and remains 
that same uncivil, unrepentant old shoemaker. 

Others of those who went out on the errand of mercy were 
more successful, and many were persuaded to give heed to the call, 
and quite a large number were in due time added to the church. 

For pleasing and persuasive address, natural eloquence, sound 
logic and earnestness of manner, Elder Simmons had few equals, 
and it is a matter of question if the noted evangelist, Mr. Moody, 
is in any way his superior. His sermon on the Divine sovereignty 
and the doctrine of election, preached during that series of meet- 
ings, will doubtless be remembered by many who listened to him 
on that memorable evening when Deacon Tainter adjusted the 
lights, and the audience received such a quiet rebuke from the 
speaker for the lack of interest in what he was saying to them. 
The sermon was one of the most novel and sensible of any we ever 
listened to on that subject. The text was in these words: "Work 
out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that 
worketh in you, both to will and to do, of his good pleasure." At 
the conclusion of the sermon the Methodists, Christians and 
Baptists concluded they were a unit on that subject, and no need 
of further controversy on the much vexed question. 

The next church built in town was by the Methodist Episco- 
pals, in what is called South Dryden, in 18*55, and the next at 



Dryden village, by the same denomination, in 1856. Both of these 
churches have been remodeled and very much improved during the 
past few years, and are still used and occupied by the Methodist 
Episcopals with respectable congregations. In the year 1874 the 
same denomination built a very neat and commodious church near 
Whigville, in the southwest part of the town, costing about f 1,600. 

LUCIUS KENDRICK. 

The subject of this sketch was one of the representative men 
of the town of Dryden until his death, which occurred October 12, 
1882. He was born at Darien, Erie County, N.Y., October 9, 1817. 
He was one of the early settlers of Lapeer County, coming to Dryden in 
company with his father, Sanford Kendrick, whose death occurred 
just twenty-seven years, to a day and hour, previous to his decease. 
Coming to Dryden before the days of railroads, they were compelled 
to come to their forest home with teams through Canada, and were 
nineteen days on the way, arriving in Dryden November 14, 1836, 
a family consisting of five sons and four daughters, all of whom 
survive the subject of this sketch, their aggregate ages being 612 
years, the youngest now being 58 years old. 

Mr. Kendrick being of frail and delicate heath, his father 
deemed him better adapted to less rugged business than swinging 
the axe and clearing the land, which was densely timbered, and so 
advised him to enga'^e in teaching school. His first term was 
taught at Almont village. He continued teaching in various parts 
of Lapeer and Macomb Counties until the year 1840, when he was 
married to Miss Eliza Look, daughter of Deacon Elijah Look, who 
settled in Dryden about the same year that Mr. K.'s father came. 
After his marriage he at once built him a siliall house and com- 
menced the improvement of a portion of the lands located by his 
father and which had been duly set apart to him. He found it no 
small task to overcome the many hardships of the frontier woodman, 
and to dispel the forests, which were then the habitation in common 
of the wolf, deer, bear and other wild animals, which vied with each 
other in the discourse of free music to make night hideous, which, 
taken in connection with the oft repeated rumors of intended Indian 
attacks, added but little to the enjoyment of the homes of the set- 
tlers. But by steady and persevering industry he caused the forests 
to yield to the cultivated fields, and in a few years found himself 
the happy possessor of a beautiful farm and family of six boys to 
aid him in its cultivation, four of whom survive their father, James 
having died in the defense of his country at or near Memphis, Tenn., 
in the year 1865, and Edwin, who recently died at Carlo. 111., while 
traveling in hopes of regaining his long impaired health. 

Mr. Kendrick had many afflictions to encounter during his life, 
but none which so depressed him as the death of his wife, which 
occurred February 19, 1875. June 15, 1876, he was married to Miss 
Lucy Kendall of Alden, N. Y., who was a firm friend and school- 
mate in early life. 

Mr. Kendrick was many times called to fiU positions of trust 
both in the township and State, being a member of the legislature 
from Lapeer County in the years 1869 and 1870, and was an ac- 
tive member during his term. He labored diligently to procure 
the passage of a bill introduced by himself, the object of which was 
a reform in prison discipline, he, being a member of the committee 
on prisons and reformatory institutions, had great faith that even 
the most fallen could be reformed, and which was fully portrayed in 
the bill. 

He was a kind and forbearing parent and a favorite with young 
and old. He was successful in business, acquiring a competency of 
this world's goods, and being the owner of one of the finest farms 
m Dryden. He was an earnest worker in the Christian cause and 
a liberal contributor to the M. E. Church, of which he has been for 
many years an active member. The funeral was largely attended 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



105 



by many of liis associates of former years, evincing their sorrow and 
high respect by .kindly aiding in the services. 



THORNVILLE. 



The venerable Benjamin Thorne died at Thornville in 1882, at 
the advanced age of eighty-nine years. He was a native of Milan, 
N. Y., and came to this county in 1839, and settled on the land 
now occupied by the village of Thornville, clearing it from its pri- 
meval state. He built mills — still in operation there — and was an 
active, industrious and thrifty business man, until the infirmities of 
age necessitated well earned rest and repose. He was the father of 
nine children — five girls and four boys — seven of whom, with his 
wife, aged eighty-three years, e>till survive. William Thorne of 
Thornville, and Gilbert Thorne of this city, are his sons. 

The mills are now owned by John Morton. 

Dr. Caulkius, Samuel Dirstine and John and William Steele, 
also settled in this part of the town. Dr. Caulkins and John Steele 
are the only ones left of the early settlers of Thornville. Benjamin 
Thorne was the first postmaster here. The present postmaster is 
Thomas Eeynolds. 

AN AFFLICTED FAMILY. 

LuMAN Squiers and family were pioneers of Dryden, and few 
families have suffered severer afflictions than was their lot. In the 
spring of 1855 their oldest son, who was at the time away from home 
at work, was brought back sick, and to all appearance wdth some 
malignant disease. Drs. Strowbridge and Caulkins attended him. 
In a few days the disease developed in a true case of small-pox. 
As might well be imagined, the family and community were very 
much alarmed. There w^ere ten children, not one of whom had 
ever been vaccinated. As soon as the case was fully known the 
children were all vaccinated, with but little hopes that it would 
avail anything in warding of! the much dreaded disease. For a few 
days the prospect of the recovery of the young man was quite prob- 
able; everybody kept aloof from their dwelling, and the family with 
the help of a heroic young lady to whom the young man w^as 
pledged in marriage, were left to their fate by the much affrighted 
neighbors. In a few days, however, the disease put on a malignant 
type, became confluent and in about eight days, on a gloomy and 
dark night about eleven o'clock, the young man died — no one pres 
ent but the family ana the young lady. The father went to the 
house of a near neighbor and called to them and announced the sad 
news that his boy was dead. The neighbor responded. Mr. Squi- 
ers requested him, Rev. Mr. Bartlett, to secure and send a coffin to, 
or near the house and get some one to dig a grave back on the farm 
on a certain rise of ground. Mr. B. did as requested, and in about 
two hours Mr. Squiers was notified by some one calling to him that 
the coffin, or box, was ready and the grave prepared. He called for 
them in this, the most trying hour of his life, for help, but was re- 
fused ; asked them to let him have the use of the horse and light 
wagon that had brought the box, but this was refused. The men 
who dug the grave stood at a respectful distance and explained as 
well as they could, where the father might find it, but utterly refused 
to let him come near them. He says to them, "You must help me. 
I cannot perform this last duty to the departed boy." But all to no 
purpose. They left him, and the father and two younger brothers 
performed the triple duties of undertaker, sexton and mourners. 
After placing the body in the coffin or box, the father and two 
brothers carried it, a few rods at a time, a distance of some one 
hundred rods. The men who dug the grave, not understanding Mr. 
Squiers as to the spot indicated by him, had prepared it some twen- 
ty-five rodt beyond. When they came to the spot where they ex- 
pected to find the grave, it could not be found; for nearly an hour 
they traversed about in the dark before it could be found. The 



buripi services over, the three returned to the sorrow- stricken family 
to alone talk over their sorrow. Nothing was more natural than to 
expect that all the family would, at the proper time, come down 
with the same dreaded disease ; strange to say, not one was attacked 
with it. The vaccination for the kiiie worked in each and all, show- 
ing the efficiency of vaccination beyond a doubt, and that it will 
work in the system faster than the virus or contagion of the small- 
pox. 

A few years later a younger son, on his thirteenth birthday, 
had made all arrangements for a birthday party and supper. Dur- 
ing the fore part of the day he had accompanied his father into the 
woods where he was felling trees for wood. As one of the trees was 
about to fall, the father saw the boy in what he thought a danger- 
ous position and cahed to him to get out of the w^ay of the falling 
tree. The tree fell and the boy was killed. A small limb at the 
extreme end of the tree struck him on the head and the result was 
almost instant death. The festivities of the birthday were changed 
to the drapery and sadness of a charnel house. It were idle to at- 
tempt a faint portrayal of the grief of the deeply stricken parents, 
brothers and sisters. Another son fell while in defense of his 
country. 

SCHOOL REPORT. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of the town of 
Dryden for the year 1882, shows the number of school children 
to have been 559; number of school buildings, nine. The school 
inspectors for the ensuing year were J. W. Cole, Lyman Tal- 
mage, Kobert Booth, Timothy Qtley, Wm. B. Sutton, Samuel 
Ellsworth, Jason Allen, E. C. Ellsworth, Wm. M. Lawrence. 



DEY^DE^ VILLAGE. 

The village of Dryden has but little history distinct from the 
town. It is located on sections 11, 12, 13 and 14, and surrounded 
by the finest agricultural country to be found in Lapeer County. 

A short time prior to 1840, Jonathan Sweet built a store at this 
point and carried on a mercantile business. The old red building is 
still standing in the village, and of late years has served a variety 
of purposes. About 1846 the late John M. Lamb purchased the 
property of Mr. Sweet, and his business operations laid the founda- 
tion of the village. For some time the place was designated as 
Lamb's Corners. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lamb were representative 
pioneers, and their biographies constitute an important part of this 
chapter. Both did their work and did it well, and have gone from 
this earth. 

MR. AND MRS. J. M. LAMB. 

John Merritt Lamb was born August 11, A. D. 1808, in the 
township of Springfield, Burhngton County, New^ Jersey, of Quaker 
parents. His grandfather was an Englishman and settled on a tract 
of land in the State of New Jersey, deeded to him by King George 
the Fourth prior to the war of the Kevolution. Three brothers, 
John Lamb, Jacob Lamb, and Joseph Lamb, settled on this 
tract of land, improved farms, raised families, and w-ere loyal subjects 
to the British crown, which then held dominion over the people of 
its American provinces. 

John Merritt Lamb in his youth was noted for his candor, 
modesty and sobriety, being of a mild disposition, and in youth 
gained many dear friends; was very obedient to his parents and 
loved his mother with an affection that left this sphere only when 
he dropped to lifeless clay. He had the advantage of a common 
school education, and profited well by its privileges. Later in 
youth he attended a select school, w4iere he finished, but finished 
well, a common course of studies. He was married in 1881 to 
Elizabeth D. Man waring and lived in Juliustown, New Jersey, for 



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104 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY 



four years, when he moved to Michigan in 1834, via New York, 
Albany, Buffalo, thence by steamboat to Detroit. He then rented a 
house on Jefferson Avenue, and commenced to look about for a 
home; was offered a forty acre lot near Campus Martius for the sum of 
$400,00, but like many others could not see that value in land in 
that locality, at that time. He then with a friend, Mr. Whitcomb, 
started up the lakes and landed at or near Lcxiirgton, which was 
but a small place at that time, then he look a direct line for Bairds' 
Mill on Black Eiver, at this place learned that a man was at work 
on a mill near the head waters of Belle Eiver ; he then took a course 
for this mill through swamps and woods, and with the aid of his 
surveyor's compass came out to the place and found Mr. Webster 
at work on his dam. During this voyage through the wood, it being 
quite late in the fall, a heavy snow storm came on ; his companion 
came near freezing, but by the use of a wbip his friend was made 
to exercise and cut wood to keep warm with. " When I awoke in 
the night," says Mr. Lamb, "I was so numb that it was with the 
greatest effort that I could stand on my feet. I chopped wo(!>d and 
built a fire, then turned to see the condition of my friend, and found 
him nearly frozen. I rolled him and jerked him around and all I 
could hear was a low groan, but with the aid of a whip he recovered so 
that he could eat a piece of broiled salt pork, and cut wood to warm 
by. It was the most lonesome night of my life ; my companion I 
thought would die. The wolves howled the most dismal dirge in 
all directions. After this long dreary night, morning came and we 
started on our course. The deer were very thick, but the rifle wet, 
and they seemed to realize the fact by their being so tame." At Mr. 
Webster's he could not get any information in regard to land ; they 
regarded the compass and chain that he carried as emblems of the 
**land shark," and eyed him suspiciously, withholding the informa- 
tion he required. 

From Webster's Mill he returned to his family in Detroit, and 
lived there during the winter of 1835 and 1836. In the spring of 
1836 he moved to Rochester, Oakland County, and in the fall of 
1836 he came to Lapeer County; selected 160 acres of land, on 
section 13, in Dry den. Then with family moved in the log house 
after Christmas in 1836. Mother says : "It was very cold, and I had to 
wrap my children in the shawls, blankets, and quilts, until the fire 
was built. After we got warm John danced with joy, and said he was 
the happiest man living. 'For,' says he, '1 have a nome now.' Sur- 
rounded by woods on all sides, on every hand, a dense wilderness 
presented its front. A small clearing waa made to the southwest of 
the house, and in the spring a patch of potatoes planted, and a patch 
of turnips sown. The Indians came— always hungry — first a few 
squaws and papooses and were fed, then larger squads would come 
and would eat so ravenous. They emptied the larder, — "For," says 
mother, "I did not desire their ill-will, and fed them all the flour I 
had. John was away to mill, and did not get back when expected, 
and I had to grind wheat in my coffee-mill to make cakes for my 
babies. We fed the Indians tlirough fear, and when John come 
home he went and got Isaac Smith who couhl talk Indian, and he 
told tbem that they should not come any more." 

The wolves were very thick, and used to make the nights 
hideous with their howling noise. Other wild game was plentiful, 
and several deer was shot from the ladder window, while they were 
on the turnip patch. An orchard was planted, the trees coming 
from Ypsilanti, a few at a time. Quite a httle land was cleared 
and planted, when the cold storm of snow and frosts came and 
killed wheat and corn and froze the leaves on the trees. We were so dis- 
couraged," said father, "that I would have moved out of the country 
had not poverty compelled me to remain." Chopping, logging, 
clearing, and fencing, were the order of the day. Settlers de- 
manded his services to survey out lines, and in payment would 



chop or work as compensation. In 1838 he was elected justice of 
the peace, and remained in the office for the term of four years. At 
a town meeting when the township was organized, he suggested the 
name of Dryden, which was adopted by the few settlers. 

While logging in the year of 1840 he received a letter from his 
brother in New Jersey, containing the sad news of his mother's 
death, and on going to the house he penned his grief in these few 
sacred lines : 

We may not say, my dearest brother. 

We do feel ourselves aggrieved; 
But rest in peace, dear sainted mother, 

Deserving of the joys received. 

Thou hast been a heavenly blessing 

Unto all thy children dear. 
In faith, and love, and hope caressing. 

During all our tender years. 

And when to man's estate arriven, 

Thy example still hath shone, 
Pointing out the way to heaven, 

Walking steadfast and alone. 

Blessed be my sainted mother, 

Peaceful be her rest above. 
Bless her too, my dearest brother. 

For a parent's truest love. 

Say not we have lost a treasure 

By our mother's going home. 
We may rest with her in pleasure. 

Hark, the Savior's voice says, "Come!" 

"Come to me, ye sons and daughters 

Of the dying race of man ; 
Drink ye freely of the waters ; 

Truly, if ye will ye can." 

In his mother's old letters she writes so kind and good, seem- 
ing to know the wants of people in a new country — saying — "Thee 
wilt need a grindstone, to sharpen thy ax. Thy iron crank, thy 
scythe, and thy sickle are here, and if I can send them to thee I 

will; Friend A says he intends to go to Michigan, and I will 

send them to thee. But my dear children so far away from me. 
My heart is so full, and the big tears fall on the paper, so that I 
cannot write." Weil he might say, "sainted mother." 

In the spring of 1846 he purchased a store at what was then 
familiarly known as Lamb's Corners, and continued in trade until 
the year of 1854. Also manufactured potash until 1858. Was 
also in trade at Dryden, and a member of the firm of J. C. Lamb & 
Co., Lamb & Bacon, Lamb Bro. & Co, when he retired from business 
as a merchant, in the year of 1868. He served two terms in the 
State legislature, three terms in the State senate, serving on promi- 
nent committees, viz: Committee on asylum for deaf, dumb, and 
blind; internal improvements; divisions of towns and counties; 
salt productions, etc. In 1867 was a member of the State consti- 
tutional convention. 

In his politics he was quite independent. W^as a rabid 
abolitionist, and in a7ite-helliun times, advocated universal suf- 
frage. His motto on this subject was, "I would not deny to any 
human being, any privilege that I would desire myself." He also 
aided with all his efforts the adoption of the free school system, 
although a heavy tax-payer, — saying if he owned the whole State it 
would be to his benefit to- have his tenants well educated even 
though at his expense. 

He served in the State senate in 1863 in the "dark days," and 
was ever loyal to the principles of right. Quoting from a speech: 
"The country must be one country, the States as one State, if it 
takes our children and their children to accomplish it. The coun- 
try must be saved." His religious belief was universal. x\lfchougli 



¥ 






'^fil^ Mo/^hJ 



MRS.J.M. LAMB, 



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HISTOEY OF LAPBEE COUNTY. 



105 



a member of no religious society, lie thought that nature could not 
be so extravagant as to condemn the larger portion of her 
children. He wished, and it seemed to be his greatest desire, to 
simply live by the dear old "rule" that has stood the test of ages. 
In addressing any person it was "thee and thou," owing to his 
Quaker training of earlier days. He often remarked that it was 
man's duty to leave the world better than he found it. We can 
truthfully say that he fulfilled this declaration by reviewing his 
labors and efforts in improving. About 400 acres was brought into 
a state of cultivation, and nearly all fenced with cedar rails; a 
large portion ditched and underdrained with cobble stone; building 
twenty-three buildings, houses and barns, of permanent structure. 
He believed in doing well whatever he undertook. Was over 
particular that everything should be made permanent. He con- 
sidered man only a temporary possessor of what he occupies, and 
that it was man's duty to do well and he would be rewarded by his 
labors. He wearied not in well doing until the fall of 1871, when 
looking after a pine interest in Lamotte, Sanilac County, Mich., 
being there at the time the great fires swept over that portion of 
the State in the month of October so destructfully, in endeavoring 
to save some buildings that were in danger of being consumed by 
the flames, he over exerted, and taking cold it settled on the lungs, 
and he died of congestion November 8, 1871, leaving an invalid 
wife and nine children grown to manhood and womanhood, many 
friends, neighbors and acquaintances to mourn his departure to the 
better land. 

Ehzabeth D., wife 'of John M. Lamb, died October 6, 1882. 
She was born in Springfield, Burlington County, N. J., in 1811, 
and was married to John M. Lamb in 1831, and in 1835, with her 
husband and family, moved to Michigan, landing at Detroit. Li 
1836 the family, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Lamb and three small 
children, moved into the "old log house" half a mile east of the 
now village of Dryden — then a wilderness with a winding woods 
road leading to the southeast, known as the "messenger road." 
Here the many cares pertaining to the pioneer household w^re 
calmly met and expeditiously overcome. A farm was hewn out of 
the dense forest and made to yield an abundance, in which the 
industrious hands of a mother nobly assisted. During her resi- 
dence in this township she has seen the forests disappear and hun- 
dreds of happy homes brought forth that now dot our beautiful 
country. 

The winding trails have disappeared, save here and there they 
may be traced through groves of timber, and the broad highways 
have taken their place. The pioneer's log house has been replaced 
by others more commodious, ornamental and convenient. Villages 
have sprung up and many of them have grown into cities ; railroads 
have traversed our country and spanned the continent; her hfe was 
lived in a progressive age. Wars have visited our country, slaves 
have been made freemen, and on several occasions the "runaway" 
was cared for and comforted by the hands that are now folded in 
rest. 

Eleven children called her mother— five sons and six daughters, 
all grown to woman and manhood. Three daughters preceded her 
into the great beyond. Left a widow November 8, 1871, she lived 
in her home well and cheerful until November 9, 1876, when she 
was attacked with paralysis for eleven months. She kept around 
her house until the second stroke reduced her to a helpless condi- 
tion on October 6, 1877. For five years she lingered, until the 
evening of October 6, 1882, when she passed quietly to the sleep 
that brings rest to the wearied form. . She was taken to her last 
resting place October 8, followed by a large concourse of friends 
and relatives. The funeral was held at the home, and Kev. Mr. 
Steele made a few very appropriate remarks. At close of services, 



the lines which were composed by her husband upon receiving the 
news of his mother's death, over forty years ago, were sung. 

The children who died were as follows: Sarah died in 1850; 
Carohne in 1866 and Mary in 1874. There are eight living, four 
of whom, Joseph L., William H. H., Lydia L. and Clayton J. are 
ill the West; J. Merritt and G. Franklin in Dryden; Mrs. D. C. 
Bacon, of the Twin Elm House, in this village, and Mrs. Henry 
Bartlett, of this town, are the eldest of the family, and are ladies 
of rare merit, both of whom are active workers in the Ladies' 
Literary Society of the village. Mrs. Bacon is a woman of rare 
literary taste, and writes more or less for the public journals of the 
day. 

THE OLD LOG HOUSE. 

The following article is from the pen of Mrs. Emma L. Bacon, 
a daughter of the late John M. Lamb, and has reference to the old 
family home in Dryden. We give it herewith: 

"Once again standing on the broken door sill, a witness of the 
desolation, seeing the logs falling dow^n, the roof that storms beat 
through, rafters giving way, doors gone, windows out, tiie plaster 
falling, the floor torn up, sills rotting, cellar caving in and a pile of 
brick and mortar. Squirrels have here a home unmolested ; birds 
build their nests undisturbed; spiders are everywhere. A strange 
stillness is here. The wind comes and goes as it pleases through 
the empty house, sounding as if it was sighing. Perhaps it was I 
that sighed. Well do I remember the coming to this house, of 
father, mother and three children ; how mother was afraid with only 
a quilt hung up at the door; how the new pine board floor plagued 
the tidy housekeeper before it wore off smooth ; how father stood at 
the foot of the ladder leading to the attic, dancing a jig and singing, 
"such a getting up stairs I never did see;" how we almost suffo- 
cated with smoke the day the first brush heaps ware burned about 
our new log house. There is the window from which one moon- 
light night father shot at a deer feeding on his turnip patch. Those 
were the days when we borrowed fire of our neighbors; when the 
howling of the wolves made us frightened children, trembling in -the 
trundle bed, cover up our heads. Those wolves killed the sheep; 
bears caught the pigs running in the woods ; deer went bounding 
past, and by the smoke curhng up among the trees we knew the 
Indian camp fire, and looked for squaw visitors loaded with baskets 
to trade for food. There where the old bricks lie, I see again a fire- 
place with its trammel and hooks; a "mantel piece" with Krass can- 
dle-sticks, books, hats and mittens on it; a tin bake oven on the 
hearth; brass andirons; big backlogs and a blazing fire giving hght 
and warmth as we sat and watched it curl and flash among the 
sticks of wood, changing them to coals and ashes. Around the 
hearth children cried about their troubles and were rocked to sleep ; 
the boys' cold toes were warmed; work was done; tricks played; 
stories told; fiiends entertained; pipes smoked, and ague fits shook 
out. What histories and life experien^.es these old walls could tell 
if they might speak! Stories of toil and pain, work and rest, grief 
and joy, right and wrong, births and deaths, hopes and ambitions. 
It takes such a complication of things added tc^gether to make the 
total of life. On the whitewashed wall one brother asks this 
question : 

* What is the use for man to strive 

To try to keep his works alive?' 
And another has written : 

' With months and years time has rolled away 

And brought this old homestead to decay. 

Brothers and sisters are gone, far and near. 

But all to my heart seems very dear. 

Sisters have crossed to the golden shore, 

Where is rest and peace forevermore. 

On us is stamped the hand 'decay' 

And written on all is, 'passing away.' 



7p 



19 



^ w 



HA 



lOG 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



"There are no more peaceful slumbers in the old chamber; 
young faces are gone, voices are silent, laughter is hushed, busy 
feet are elsewhere. The first barn, the big stumps, the old well and 
' sweep,' the winding, trodden paths are gone. A jessamine still 
clings to the wall where young hands trained it, and a corn lily, 
planted years ago, summer still finds blooming. Not here are the 
young forms that went romping over the fields, climbing the wild 
cherry and plum trees, going with baskets after berries, gathering 
wild flowers, running down the lane, drinking at the ' iron spring,' 
skippingthrough the woods, swimming in th6 river, visiting the pine 
grove, and welcoming the maple -sugar times. 

"Only a few years more and no logs, boards, beams or rafters 
will tell to the transient traveler of an old house here. The strong 
young man who planned and built it sat in the shade of the trees 
he planted; his hair grew white, his children came to men and 
women, the clay w^as heaped over his form, the ram w^ashed his 
footprints away, his feet tread these paths no more. Viewing this 
decay the sighs will come! Why should they? It is here just as 
all nature's changes are — a beginning, an ending. Commenced 
and finished. All alone in the log house and this is the story it 



told me." 



EARLY MOVEMENTS. 



Mr. Banford Maynard, one of the settlers of 1840, and one of 
the original proprietors of the mill of Maynard & Bro., selling out 
to his brother his interest in the mill in 1846, located for a time in 
Dryden, and built the first hotel in that place, and also the first 
blacksmith shop, and carried on both branches of business for a few^ 
years, sold out and went to Washington, and from there to Bran- 
don, Oakland County, and engaged in farming. In November of 
1862, wiiile out in compaoy with his son chopping wood, and while 
cutting a tree and before it was supposed to be ready to fall, it was 
suddenly blown down by the wdnd, which was blowing a gale at the 
time, and falling in a mannei unexpected by the parties, struck Mr. 
Maynard on the head and shouLlers, killing him instantly. The 
tree, which was of oak, and about a foot in diameter, lay upon the 
dead father, and no one near but the son, a young man of about 
twenty years. With superhuman strength that boy lifted the tree 
and laid it one side, placed a coat under the head of his father, and 
ran for help. Tlie remains were brought to South Dryden and 
buried by the side of a former wife. 

In 1854 the Dryden Exchange was built by E. H. Baker, and 
has had numerous proprietors. Eecently it has been refitted and is 
now kept by John Garlick. 

The Twin Elms House was built in 1874 by Joseph Dowd. In 
front of this house are two elms which have grown to large size from 
sprouts within the recollection of the present proprietor. William 
Emmons and L. D. Van Kleek were proprietors, until Mr. D. C. 
Bacon purchased the property and is now its proprietor. Mr. 
Bacon is a pioneer of Almont and Dryden and Mrs. Bacon was a 
daughter of the late John M. Lamb. 

D. C. Bacon was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1818 re- 
maining there until 1834, following which he spent two years in 
Ohio and Kentucky, then came to Lapeer County, Mich., and lo- 
cated in Bell Eiver in the township of Almont. Eemoving in 1838 
to the village of Almont he engaged as salesman in store for the 
iirin of John & William Steel and afterward with Shaw & Dyar. 
In 1840 he built the first house on section 16 in the township of 
Almont and established the first stage line between Almont and 
Rcjyal Oak via Utica and Romeo. In 1845 he returned to Almont, 
remaining two years, when he went to the township of Imlay and 
set up for the firm of Imlay, Beach & Co., the first steam engine 
brought to the county. He then returned to Almont and took up 
land from the government on section 18, which he improved and 



lived upon three years, when he came to Dryden and was in the 
employ of John M. Lamb for two years when he formed a partner- 
ship with him under the firm name of Lamb & Co. He afterward 
went to Almont and purchased the National House which he con- 
ducted five years, and then located on a farm on section 21. In 
1873 he returned to Dryden and engaged in mercantile business, 
the style of the firm being Bacon, Emmons & Co., which was con- 
tinued up to 1875, when he purchased the hotel in Dryden w^hich 
he has since carried on. In 1839 he married Miss Jane Hall, 
eldest daughter of Seth Hall of Dryden. She died in 1854, leaving 
one daughter — Francis 0. He was again married in 1856 to Miss 
Emma Lamb, eldest daughter of John M. Lamb. Mr. Bacon was 
supervisor in 1873. Was one of the originators of the P. 0. & 
P. A. Railroad and gave [Jie ground for the station. 



THE VILLAGE CEMETERY. 



The first burying ground in this part of the town is located a 
mile north of the village, and is now thickly dotted with graves. 
The ground was purchased by the Dryden Interring Society, which 
was organized in April, 1842. The ground was purchased of Mr. 
Seth Hall. The officers of the society first chosen w^re as follows: 
President, Henry Van Kleek; clerk, Joseph Chamberlain; collector, 
Holden Tripp; treasurer, Ethan Squier; sexlon, John Gould. 

About 1870 the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Association was 
formed and ground purchased of John M. Lamb for a village 
cemetery. Improvements are being made and the grounds made 
fitting for the object for which they are set apart. 

DRYDEN ladies' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. 

TJiere is, perhaps, no society of like character in the county 
that has become more noted than the one bearing the above name. 
Its early history is very fully given in a paper writtqji in 1876, by 
Mrs. Emma Bacon, which we give as follows: 

"In March, 1871, a company of ladies living in this place, 
were enjoying social visits. One suggested forming some kind of 
a society; others encouraged the idea; they met at the house of 
Mrs. L. Sessions, March 29. Mrs. Joshua Manwaring, nominated 
to preside at the meeting. It was decided the society shall be a 
Ladies' Library Association; the object to furnish reading at a 
small cost to all that would accept the privilege. Officers were 
chosen as follows: 

"President, Mrs. J. C. Lamb; secretary, Mrs. Joseph Man- 
waring; treasurer, Mrs. N. B. Eldredge. 

"Active members to consist of married ladies only; admittance 
tee |1; meetings weekly. Mrs. Jesse Emmons and Mrs. Joseph 
Manwaring were appointed to construct by-laws. 

"Our first books were "Ik Marvel's" "Farm at "Edgewood," 
Holland's "Letters to the Jones's," and "Goldfoil," given by Mrs. 
J. C. Lamb. * 

"Our first book-case was a little box nailed to the wall, with 
room on its one shelf for six books. Mirthfulness called it a 
"famous affair," and proposed a white curtain to improve it. 
Having books, Mrs. Sessions became librarian, and Mrs. Brophy 
vice-president. 

"An anticipated carpet called together an assortment of rags to 
cut and piece; add to these a cup of tea with picnic suppers, and 
the weekly meetings, Wednesday afternoons, passed pleasantly 
away until June 14th, when the approved by-laws were signed by 
Mrs. J. C. Lamb, Mrs. Joseph Hodson, Mrs. N. B. Eldredge, 
Mrs. John Porter, Mrs. WiUiam Eggleston, Mrs. Joseph Manwar- 
ing, Mrs. J. J. Lamb, Mrs. James Brophy, Mrs. Jesse Emmons, 
Mrs. George Clark, Mrs. Henry Bartlett, Mrs. Miner Fuller. 

"This afternoon a building was rented for the use of the 
society. After completing business, each lady took her chair; 






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Sisters 






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TWKN ElfclVIS HOTEL, D,C. BACON , PROPRIETOR, DRYDEN , MICH 







^L^ 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEK COUNTY. 



107 



others carried the rags; another carried the books, now four in 
number, and the hbrary was moved to the rooms since then occu- 
pied by the association. 

"More months were gone, September came, and the 'hit or 
miss' rag carpet was tacked upon the floor. Visitors came, leaving 
ten cents, and partook of the social supper. Strawberry and ice 
cream festivals picked up the change, and the 'wee bits' gathered 
in the treasury. 

"Many will remember the terrible fires of October, 1871; how 
fearfully it raged in the northern counties of our own Michigan ; 
how the uncontrollable element made want and destitution among 
new settlers. With the rush and roar of a tornado, it swept 
through the heavy timber, leaping from top to top of those, large 
pine trees. Hemmed in by fire in every direction, it is no wonder 
some of those poor souls "thought the end of the world had come." 
And then we worked for the homeless; quilts were made; busy 
hands filled boxes with clothing and provisions for sufferers forty 
miles north of us. 

"By November 29th, $50 were expended, and we counted 
forty-three volumes. To-day each member drew a book. How 
bright and new they are. Beautiful books, we know your worth ! 
More ladies joined the society: Mrs. H. Porter, Mrs. Joshua Man- 
waring, Mrs. S. Eockbill, Mrs. L. Sessions, Mrs. A. Tappen, Mrs. 
E. Gage, Mrs. S. Manly, Mrs. Wilham Kogers, making in all 
twenty-three active members, and twelve silent ones, the husbands 
of the ladies. February 24th, at the last meeting of the first year, 
our prospects were better than we had dared to hope for. 

"Another year began and the officers elected were: President, 
Mrs. J. C. Lamb; vice-president, Mrs. Seth Hall; secretary, Mrs. 
J. Man waring; treasurer, Mrs. Henry Bartlett; librarian, Mrs. 
Jesse Emmons. 

"Donations of books were thankfully received. A. J. Squiers, 
S. E. Randolph and Jesse Emmons gave books valued at $4 each. 
Also legislative documents by J. C. Lamb and 0. D. Conger. The 
latter, though seldom read, have their work to do, making a good 
appearance, filling vacant shelves, and containing information we, 
as women, ought to know, if we do not vote yet. Additional mem- 
bers were added to the association as follows: Mrs. 0. Lewis, Mrs. 
William North, Mrs. J. Darwood, Mrs. J. Eupert, Mrs. A. Bartlett, 
Mrs. N. Wells, Mrs. B. F. Randolph, Mrs. A. J. Squiers. 

"Vigilant work continued. Money came from socials at our 
homes; we got up suppers and paid 10 cents to help eat them; our 
furniture improved; we possessed 169 books, and the second year 
finished with $26 in the treasury. 

"The months of the third year passed away with officers as 
follows: President, Mrs. J. C. Lamb; vice-president, Mrs. J. 
Eupert; secretary, Mrs. J. Man waring; treasurer, Mrs. Seth Hall; 
hbrarian, Mrs. Jesse Emmons. 

"Mrs. A. H. Curtis and Mrs. F. laman became members. We 
had now 300 volumes at the rooms, and flOO in cash. Energetic 
financiering and faichful diligence established a literary institution. 

"Time went on with silent steps. Sorrow's cloud was over us. 
Death came, for the first time, among our number, and claimed 
Mrs. Jesse Emmons. We lost an earnest member; missed a cheer- 
ful companion; separated from a friend, and mourned her vacant 
chair. Members performing official duties at this time were: 
President, Mrs. Seth Hall; vice-president, Mrs. J. Eupert; secre- 
tary, Mrs. J. Manwaring; assistant secretary, Mrs. H. Bartlett; 
treasurer, Mrs. J. C. Lamb; librarian, Mrs. A. Bartlett; assistant 
librarian, Mrs. J. Darwood. 

"Among our living workers we welcomed Mrs. J. M. Shumar 
and Mrs. William Booth. At the close of the year our secretary 
reported a gift of Swedenborg's works worth $50. There were 



then 400 volumes in the library, $100 in the treasury, and "Pro- 
gression" our motto. 

"The fifth year found the officiating members nearly the same 
as the last, and the following new members: Mrs. B. McNeil, Mrs. 
G. Eobinson, Mrs. D. C. Bacon, Mrs. E. Squiers, Mrs. P. Ulrich. 

"On Wednesday afternoons, business and fche usual cup of tea; 
visitors are gladly entertained, their 10 cents undisturbed. We 
have gratitude for the support men have given our undertaking, 
and for the money they have contributed to our treasury. 

"We began the sixth year with officers as follows: President, 
Mrs. Seth Hall; vice-president, Mrs. H. Bartlett, secretary, Mrs. G. 
Eobinson; assistant secretary, Mrs. D. C. Bacon; treasurer, Mrs. 
J. C. Lamb; hbrarian, Mrs. A. Bartlett; assistant librarian, Mrs. 
J. M. Shumar. 

"In our financial book, since the first year, there is written the 
names of forty-five book renters. On our shelves there are 468 
volumes. We have $100 at interest, $450 insurance; greenbacks 
remaining, and our credit good. 

"When selecting books we aimed for variety — theology, his- 
tories, biographies, romance, poetry, juvenile and miscellaneous 
works. Fiction is read the most. These get soiled and worn, but 
are mended and made to last as long as possible. 

"Our years have been celebrated by anniversaries with music, 
speaking, charades, tableaux, dancing and suppers. Combined 
exertion, good attendance, interesting entertainments, and pleased 
attention, resulted in satisfaction to performers and spectators. 

"Launched boats do not always find smooth sailing. Our 
enterprise has its critics, but we believe true what 'Aunt Mary' 
quotes from Lorenzo Dow: 'If stones are chrowed, it is a good 
apple tree'. 

"There is a strong attachment for the little brown building 
among the trees. Our Centennial maple is near the door. Hope 
was planted with it, love is around it, and we have faith our tree 
will live. 

"Here is a 'thank you' for those who have appreciated and 
assisted our women's work. May there always be some blessings 
in life for them. " 

Since 1876 Mrs. A. M. Eupert and Mrs. H. J. Lamb have been 
secretaries, the latter being the present incumbent. Mrs. Seth Hall 
has been president since 1875. In 1881 Mrs. Joseph Manwaring 
succeded Mrs. J. C. Lamb as treasurer. Librarians since 1876, 
Mrs. A. Bartlett and Mrs. B. Breden. 

Tlie building owned by the society was built for a saloon in 
1858, by a Mr. Goodrich. It was afterward rented for a shoe shop, 
and then two ladies purchased and moved it to its present position, 
from the opposite side of the street. They occupied it as a milli- 
nery store until the library society first rented and then purchased it. 

The society has a surplus fund of about $300, and the hbrary 
contains about 700 volumes of books. There are twenty members 
and forty book renters. The annual anniversary is celebrated with 
some form of social entertainment, which is an important event in 
the social annals of the town. 

Of the charter members there are now remaining, as members, 
the following persons: Mesdames J. C. Lamb, E. Emmons, J. 
Hod son, J. Manwaring, J. Porter. 

FKUIT DRYING ESTABLISHMENT. 

The principal business enterprise of Dryden is the fruit drying 
estabhshment of Darwood & Lamb. Mr. Darwood established this 
business in 1876, and carried it on alone till 1881, when the fac- 
tory was burned. It was rebuilt the same year and has since been 
operated by the firm of Darwood & Lamb. The factory in size is 
forty by eighty feet, two stories in height and has a capacity of 350 
bushels every twenty-four hours. The benefit of this enterprise to 



D f^j* 



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liL^ 



108 



HISTOEY OF LAPEER COUNTY. 



the town and vicinity is apparent, as it furnishes to the farmer a 
ready market for his apples, which are a considerahle product of 
this section. 

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. 

Dryden Lodge No. 150, F. k A. M., was chartered Jan. 14, 
1864, with N. B. Eldredge, master, and Jacob C. Lamb, senior war- 
den, and eleven charter members. The officers for the present Ma- 
sonic year are as folbws: Thomas W. Williams, W. M. ; Elijah 
Bartlett, S. W. ; W. J. Eeynolds, J. W. ; Yates Ferguson, Sec. ; 
James Brophy, Treas.; Edward B. Lemmon, S. D.; William H. H. 
Cheasbro, J. D.; Peter C. Snover, tyler. Eegular meetings the 
Saturday evening on or before the full of the moon. 

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. 

Dryden Lodge No. 89, 1. 0. 0. F., was chartered Jan. 16, 1866, 
with the following charter members: Clayton B. Kandolph, Joseph 
B. Hodson, Peter C. Snover, Darius Alger, Jacob C. Lamb, B. P. 
Randolph and Joseph Darwood. Its first principal officers were, 
Clayton Randolph, N. G. ; J. Hodson, V. G. ; Jacob C. Lamb, Sec. 
The lodge has a present membership of nineteen. Regular meet- 
ings every Saturday evening. The present principal officers are, J. 
Merritt Lamb, N. G. ; WiUiam Goodenough, V. G. ; Wilham Ball, 
Sec. ; D. Edgerton, Per. Sec. ; Joseph Darwood, treasurer. 

KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES. 

Tibbal's Tent No. 84, Knights of the Maccabees, was instituted 
March 1, 1883, with sixteen charter members; one has since been 
added. The officers of the tent are as follows: Sir K. P. C, Jos. 
Manwaring; Sir K. C, Wm. H. Alcott; St. C, Wilhs B. Joslyn; 
Rec. K., Wm. Brumby; Fin. K., John Heenan; Prel., James D. 
Brophy; Phys., Drs. Braddon and Stearns; Sergt., William H. H. 
Cheasbro; M. at A., D. Edgerton; first M. of G., Robert B. Good- 
ing; second M. of G., Julius A. Porter; Sen., Wilham E. Ridley; 
picket, John Stearns. 

PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. 

Dryden Grange No. 396, of the Patrons of Husbandry was in- 
corporated April 16, 1874, with twenty-two members. Wilham 
North was master, J. C. Lamb, secretary andE. Whittaker treas- 
urer. The present membership is thirty. Regular meetings Friday 
evening on or before the full moon. The present officers are 
as follows: Master, Elijah Bartlett; overseer, Geo. B. Terry; lect- 
urer, E. B. Lemmons; chaplain, Enoch Sqiiiers; steward, Austin 
Atwell; lady assistant steward, Miss S. Baker; Ceres, Miss Whitta- 
ker; Pomona, Mrs. Geo. B. Terry; Flora, Mrs. Timothy Utley; gate 
keeper, Samuel McClusky. 

In 1870 a graded school was established in the district, which 
includes the village of Dryden. A beautiful and commodious 
school-house w^as constructed the same year on an eminence just 
north of the center of the village, at a cost of about $4,000. The 
school is now in charge of Chas. E. Parmlee, assisted by Annie J. 
Ridley. The number of scholars in the district is 136. 

There is one church building in the village, belonging to the 
M. E. society, a history of w^hich has already been given. 

The building of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad through 
the county, built up Imlay City, and Dryden village contributed 
hberally of its population. Mr. Joseph Manwaring was the only 
merchant left in the village. After a time the village recovered 
from the fever of emigration, and, in 1883, the completion of the 
Pontiac, Oxford & Port Austin Railroad, which passes through Dry- 
den, promises to give new impetus to the business of the village by 
the facilities of transportation which will be afforded. 

The first postmaster at the village was John M. Lamb. He 
was succeeded by William Quatermass, and he by Joseph Manwar- 
ing, the present incumbent. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Seth Hall, a pioneer of 1836, was, during his life, a highly 
respected and influential citizen of Dryden. His death occurred 
April 4, 1878. He was born in Connecticut in the year 1801. 
When about three years of age his parents removed to the State of 
New York where he, early in life, married Miss Lucy Quatermass, 
who died in 1841, leaving nine children, all of whom, except one, 
are dead. In 1836, Mr. Hall came to Michigan and settled in iihe 
town of Dryden. May 8, 1842, he married Charlotte Hincks, 
daughter of James C. Hincks, who came into Dryden from Macomb 
County. They had eleven children, six of whom are living, viz: 
Seth, Marth, Frederick and Nellie, now living in Almont, and Lucy 
and Clarence Edwin who live in Dryden. Theron, Seth and^Wes- 
ley served in the army during the war. Abner Hall, son by the first 
wife, is living at Imlay City. Mr. Hall Ifeld the offices of supervisor 
and justice of the peace and was known throughout the county as 
"Squire" Hall. Mr. Hall was a member of Dryden Lodge No. 150, 
F. & A. M., and upon his death the following resolutions were 
adopted by that body : 

Died April 4, 1878, A. D. 5878, Brother Seth Hall, aged 
seventy-seven years. 

Whereas, It has pleased the Supreme Ruler of the universe 
in the dispensation of his Divine Providence to call from this life 
our worthy and beloved brother, Seth Hall, and 

Whereas, We deem the occasion appropriate to express the 
sentiments of affection entertained for him by every member of this 
order who enjoyed his acquaintance while living, and especially 
those of Dryden Lodge, to which he belonged, and of which he was 
a faithful and active member; therefore be it 

Besolred, That in the death of our aged Brother Hall we 
recognize that inscrutable wisdom, which, while it removes from 
our midst an esteemed brother, from the family circle a kind hus- 
band and indulgent father, from society a valuable citizen and good 
neighbor, admonishes us not only of the uncertain tenure of life, 
but of the utihty of the practical virtues which he exhibited in his 
daily intercourse with the' world, and in his attachment and devo- 
tion to the principles of his profession as a man and a Mason. 

Be wived, That in this dispensation of the great Father of Life 
which has deprived us of a brother and friend, we are reminded of 
the solemn injunction, "In the midst of life we are in death." 

Resolved, That while we regret our own loss we tender to the 
bereaved relatives and friends of our deceased brother our deepest 
sympathy for their bereavement. 

Resolved, That in token of our respect we will attend the 
funeral of our deceased brother wearing the usual badges of our 
order. 

Resolved, That the foregoing preamble and resolution be re- 
corded on our books and that a copy be presented to the widow of 
the deceased, and that a copy be sent to the county papers for 
publication. 

By order of the lodge. 

Thomas Williams, W. M. 

J. C. Lamb, Secretary Dryden Lodge No. 150, F. & A. M. 

April 6, 1878, A. D. 5878. 

He was a thorough and successful farmer and accumulated 
a handsome property during his life. He did much to im- 
prove the region in which he lived, and always manifested a 
lively interest in the welfare and prosperity of the town. Mrs. 
Hall occupies the homestead in the village and is an active member 
of society. She has been president of the Dryden Ladies' Library . 
Society since the year 1875. 

Benjamin Terry, deceased, was born in Livingston County, 
N. Y., in 1816, and when sixteen years of age, came to Michigan, 
and located in Washtenaw County, where he remained till 1835. 
He then came to Dryden wdth his parents and took up 160 acres of 
land from the government, on section 25, which he cleared and' 
resided upon until his death in 1878. He was married in 1842 to 
Miss Sarah Ferguson, of Oakland County, by whom he had two 



^1 



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HISTOEY OP LAPEEE COUNTY. 



109 



sons who are now living. W. H. Terry was born on the home- 
stead, in 1843, and in 1879 purchased 116 acres of laud on section 
26, where he now resides. He was married in 1868 to Miss Bell 
Watson, of Dryden. Geo. B. Terry, the youngest son, was born on 
the homestead, in 1847, where he has since resided. He was mar- 
ried in 1875 to Miss Sarah E. Baiver, of Dryden, and has one 
child. 

John Heenan was born in New Yoik City in 1852, and came 
to the township of Imlay with his parents the following year. He 
remained at home until fourteen years of age, when he started out 
in life for himself, first as a chore boy at the Imlay Hotel, and after- 
ward as clerk, remaining there one year. He then went to Black's 
Corners aud engaged as a clerk in the hotel there, which position 
he held till April, 1871. In that year he came to Almont and 
engaged in the same business for D. C. Bacon, going from there to 
Flint, and in 1874 came to Dryden and engaged as a salesman with 
the firm of Bacon, Emmons & Co., acting in that capacity till 
November, 1878, when he formed a partnership with the firm of 
Lamb, Emmons & Co., which he continued until 1879. They then 
formed a partnership with J. C. Lamb and Emmons, and pur- 
chased a stock of goods at Imlay City, where they opened a branch 
store under the name of Lamb & Co. and Emmons & Co., which 
they conducted till October, 1881. Mr. Heenan then purchased the 
Dryden branch and sold his interest in the Imlay store. He is do- 
ing an extensive business. In 1876 he married Miss Eachel Austin, 
of Romeo, and has one child. 

Richard Bredin, M. D., was born in Lanark County, Ont. 
He graduated from the academy at Perth, received a diploma from 
the Toronto Normal School in 1864, attended the Toronto School 
of- Medicine, from which he graduated in 1869, and also received 
a certificate from the Lying-in Hospital of that city the same year, 
and a certificate for instruction in eye and ear deseases from M. F. 
Miltendorf, of New York. In 1870 he came to Dryden, and has a 
very extensive practice in his profession. He was married in 1875 
to Miss B. Morrison, of Canada. 

James D. Brophy was born in the province of Quebec, Canada, 
in 18B3, remaining there until 1843, when he went Lo Ontario, 
where he resided until 1856. He then came to Michigan and 
located in Almont, where he remained but a short time, when he 
removed to Attica, and after a year's residence there came to Dry- 
den and engaged in the shoe business, which he carried on until 
1878, since which time he has been engaged in farming. He was 
married in 1860 to Miss Melvina Sqiiier, daughter of E. Squier, 
of Dryden, and has one son. 

John Gordon was born in Scotland, in 1808, remaining there 
until 1837, when he came to Canada and settled in Oxford County, 
Ont. In 1856 he came to Lapeer County, and after a three years' 
residence in the township of Almont came to Diyden and purchased 
eighty acres of land on section 19, where he now resides. He was 
married in 1835 to Miss Maxwell McWilham, of Scotland, and has 
eight children. 

John Braidwood was born in Scotland, in 1842, and the same 
year came with his parents to Michigan, Avho settled in the town- 
ship of x\lmont. In 1864 he went to Metamora and worked that 
year on a farm, returning to xllmont, and in 1868 went to Wiscon- 
sin, where he remained but a few months, again returning to Al- 
mont. He spent 1870 in the township of Lapeer, and the following 
year moved to section 13, in Dryden, where he remained up to 1879, 
when he purchased eighty acres of land on section 24, where he now 
resides. He was married in 1873 to Miss Mary Taylor, of Meta- 
mora, and has two sons. 

William Mathews was born in Niagara County, N. Y., in 
1828, remaining there until 1840, when he came to Michigan with 



his parents. In 1845 he went to Bruce, Macomb County, and 
remained until 1852, when he came to Dryden and located on sec- 
tion 23. He remained there until 1863, when he removed to section 
25, where he purchased eighty-four meres of land, upon which he 
still resides, also owning fifty-four acres in Almont. In 1852 he 
married Miss Mary E. Ferguson, of Oakland County, and has two 
children. 

George W. Fisher, deceased, was born in Vermont in 1816, 
remaining there until 1839, when he came to Michigan and settled 
in Dryden on section 36. He purchased wild land, which he im- 
proved and resided upon until his death, which occurred in 1882. 
In 1838 he married Miss Ehza Brown, by whom he had thirteen 
children, five of whom are now living — Lois N.; George H., who 
married Miss Lucy Mitchell, daughter of Rev. L. Mitchell; Sally A., 
who married B. Snyder, of Macomb County; David E., who mar- 
ried Lewis McCoUins, of Macomb County; and Caroline I., who 
married L. Soules. 

James Hines, deceased, was born in Massachusetts in 1782, and 
in 1836 came to Lxpeer County and settled in the township of Dry- 
den, on section 23, where he remained until his death in 1856. He 
was married in 1808 to Miss Phoebe Hill, by whom he had seven 
children. 

Samuel Ellsworth was born in New York in 1843, remaining 
there un,til 1852, when he moved to Ohio with his parents, residing 
there till 1855. He then came to Dryden and staid one year, thence 
to Attica, and in 1862 to Indiana, where he remained till 1870. He 
then came back to Michigan and located in Oakland County, and 
two years thereafter came to Dryden, where he now resides, on sec- 
tion 30. He was married in 1873 to Miss Alice M. Shaw, of Dry- 
den, and has one son. 

Nathaniel Smith, deceased, was born in Monroe County, N. 
Y., in 1788, remaining there until 1833, when he came to Michi- 
gan. He stopped the first year in Macomb County, then came to 
Lapeer County and located in Almont, on section 32, where he took 
up land. After remaining there two years he removed to section 
33, and in 1853 to section 28, where he resided with his son until 
his death in 1856. He married Miss Ruth Pettis, of New York, by 
whom he had twelve children. 

Ethan Squier was born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, in 
1804, moved to Vermont in 1811 and a year later to Oxford, Onta- 
rio, where he remained three years. He then resided near London 
until 1817, when he came to Michigan and located near Utica, Ma- 
comb County. In 1836 came to Dryden and took up 160 acres of 
government land on section 11, where he remained until 1879. He 
then removed to the village of Dryden, where he now resides. In 1830 
he married Miss L. Huntley, of Macomb County, who died in 1858 
leaving two children. Was again married in 1860 to Miss Lucinda 
Churchill, of Almont, who died in 1874, and has since married Miss 
Churchill. 

James Freer, deceased, was born in Ontario County, N. Y. 
in 1798, remaining there and in Genesee County until 1839, when 
he came to Dryden and built the first grist and saw-mill in the 
township. He held the office of supervisor and associate judge at 
the time of his death in 1848. In 1824 he married Miss Lucre tia 
Dexter, of Genesee County, N. Y., by whom he had fourteen 
children, of whom three are now living. 

Chancy Morgan, deceased, was born in Vermont in 1794, and 
from there went to Canada where he remained until 1835 when he 
came to Michigan. He located in the township of Almont and in 
1840 came to Dryden and settled "on action 26, where he remained 
until his death in 1873. About the year 1826 he married Miss Sylvia 
Burdick, of Canada, by whom he had nine children. She died in 
1880. 



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110 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



John Blow was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., in 1810, re- 
maining thereuntil 1828 when he went to Tioga County. In 1834 
he came to Michigan viewing, and in the following Spring locating 
in Almont with his family, where he resided one year, going from 
there to Rochester, Oakland County. He remained there until 
1841 when he came to Dryden and settled on eighty acres of land 
on section 6 which he took ui3 from the government in 1887, and 
w^iere he now resides, having added forty acres by subsequent pur- 
chase. He was married in 1833 to Miss Charity Herrington, of 
Otsego County, N. Y., and has five children, four sons and one 
daughter. Mr. Blow, it is claimed, struck the first furrow in the 
township. 

H. H. Terry was born in New York in 1836 and when about 
two years of age came with his parents to Michigan and settled in 
Macomb County. In 1843 removed to Oakland County and in 1850 
returned to Macomb where he remained till 1860. In 1862 he 
came to Dryden and after remaining a short time returned to Ma- 
comb County and in 1865 came to Dryden and settled on wild land 
on section 35 where he still resides. He was married 1859 to Miss 
Lucy P. Ferguson, of Addison,' and has one child. 

Hon. Frank Kendrick, deceased, was born in Waterford, Maine, 
in 1843 and came to Michigan with his parents when six years of 
age. He received an academic education and engaged in teaching. 
In 1861 he enlisted in the Fifth Michigan Cavalry and served to the 
close of the war, being discharged in 1865. During his service he 
participated in upwards of forty battles and was wounded three 
times, returning home in poor health and with a broken constitu- 
tion. He engaged in farming, but had to abandon it on account 
of the state of his health, and engaged in teaching which he fol- 
lowed for three years when his health failed completely and he had 
to abandon that and all other business pursuits. In 1880 he was 
elected justice of the peace and in 1881 a member of the State 
Legislature by the Repubhcan party, and died before his term of 
office expired. He was married in 1866 to Miss Phidelia Foote, 
daughter of J. H. Foote. They had three children. 

John H. Foote, deceased, w^as born in Washington, Mass., in 
1806 and remained there till 1827. Up to 1832 he spent most of 
his time in Salisbury County, going from there to Niagara County, 
N. Y., where he purchased a farm and resided until 1837. He then 
came to Michigan and located in the township of Almont remaining 
there till 1844 when he came to Dryden and settled on section 23 
where he lived up to 1878, whmi he gave up the farm to his son and 
moved across the way on section 27 where he died two years later. 
He was married m 1832 to Miss Sarah Mercer who died in 1844, 
leaving a son and daughter. Was again married to Miss Salley 
Hines by whom he had three children. 

P. H. Foote, the only son of J. H. Foote, was born on the old 
homestead on section 23 where he now^ resides. He was married 
in 1869 to Miss Maria L. Gray of Dryden and has four children. 
Mr. Foote has held the office of commissioner of highways. 

William F. Laughlin was born in New York in 1837, remaining 
there until 1853 wiien he went to Canada. In 1860 he came to 
Michigan and in 1863 settled in Dryden on section 27 where he 
remained three years. He then went to St. Clair County where he 
resided up to 1868, going from there to Almont, where he located on 
section 17. In 1879 he came to Dryden and purchased 240 acres 
of land on section 26, where he now resides. He w^as married in 
1860 to Miss Lucinda Zavits of Canada and has seven children. 

R. C. Ellsworth was born in DeKalb County, 111., in ]838» 
remaining there until 1858 when he came to Michigan. He has 
resided in Lapeer County generally since that time, and in 1861 
located on section 22 in Dryden where he now resides. In 1868 he 
married Miss Laura A. Watson of Dryden, and has two children. 



Mr. Ellsworth was elected a justice of the peace in 1882 which 
office he still holds. 

J. Miller, deceased, was born in New York in 1794, remain- 
ing there until 1839, when he came to Michigan. After liis arrival 
he spent one year in Macomb County and then came to Dryden, 
where he settled on section 25 and resided until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1873. He was married in 1815 to Miss Elizabeth Bloomer, 
of New York, by whom he had eleven children. 

J. N. Miller, third son of J. Miller, deceased, w^as born in 1832, 
and remained at home until 1854, when he purchased wild land on 
section 21 in Dryden, which he cleared and improved, and resided 
upon until 1872, when he returned to the old homestead, where he 
now resides, his farm containing 180 acres of land. He was mar- 
ried in 1853 to Miss Electa Morgan, and has three children. Mr. 
Miller has held the office of justice of the peace for the past four 
years, 

Edwin Smith, son of Nathaniel Smith, was born in Macomb 
County in 1834, and came with his parents to Lapeer County, 
where he settled in Almont and resided in that township up to 
1863. He then came to Dryden and located on section 26, remain- 
ing there till 1870, when he purchased hfty-six acres on section 24, 
where he now resides, and to which he has added forty acres. In 
1854 he married Miss Mary A. Balch, of Almont, and has three 
children. 

GeorcxE W. Miller, son of J. N. Miller, was born in the town- 
ship of Dryden in 1853, remaining at home until 1875, when he 
moved on section 22, where he had eighty acres of land, and to 
which he has since added 220 acres. In 1882 he removed to sec- 
tion 15, where he now resides. He was married in 1878 to Miss 
Florence Cooley, daughter of D. Cooley, of Dryden. 

J. W. Miller w^as born in Greene County, N. Y., in 1830, and 
remained there until 1840, wdien he came to Michigan with his pa- 
rents. They stopped the first year in Macomb County, then came 
to the township of Almont where they resided up to 1845, when they 
removed to Dryden. Mr. Miller remained at home till 1848, and 
from that time till 1853 worked on a farm. He then went to 
Macomb County, and in 1855 returned to Dryden and purchased 
100 acres of land on section 21, where he now resides. He added 
largely to his farm by subsequent purchases, and after giving each 
of his sons a farm still retains 180 acres of the old homestead. He 
married Miss Sarah C. Powell, of Macomb County, in 1853, and 
has two sons and one daughter. 

Henry Schanck was born in Washtenaw County, Mich., in 1835, 
and in 1842 moved to Macomb County, where he remained until 
1856. He then came to Dryden and located on section 29, wdiere 
he purchased land, and has subsequently increased his original pur- 
chase to 240 acres located on sections 29 and 30. Mr. Schanck has 
one of the finest improved farms in the township, and one that for 
good buildings and valuable improvements has but few equals in the 
county. He was married in 1860 to Miss Euphemia Cheney of 
Macomb County and has one son and one daughter. 

Kobert Swain w-as born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in 1799, 
and remained there until 1852, when he came to Dryden and took 
up eighty acres of land on section 30, which he cleared and im- 
proved and has since resided upon. Although Mr. Swain has 
passed the allotted time of threescore and ten, he is still robust and 
active, and bids fair to enjoy several years yet of useful life. He 
was married in 1839 to Miss Margaret Connell, of New York, who 
died in 1842, leaving one son. Was married a second time to Miss 
Mercy Cooper, of New Jersey, by whom he had two sons, both of 
whom are dead. 

John M. Angle was born in New Jersey in 1834, remaining 
there until 1860, when he came to Michigan and located in Addison, 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



111 



where be resided till 1866. He then went to Oxford, remaining 
there one year, thence to Orion, where he resided up to 1872, when 
he came to Dryden and settled on eighty acres of land on section 
81, where he still resides. He was married in 1865 to Miss Nancy 
J. Gaton, of Addison, and has four children. 

R. B. GovAN was born in New Hampshire in 1836, remaining 
there itntil 1842, when be came to Michigan with his parents who 
settled in Macomb County. He resided there till 1814, removing 
then to Oakland County, and in 1869 came to Dryden and purchased 
190 acres of land on sections 31 and 32, where he now resides. He 
was married in 1869 to Miss Euphemia J. Moore, of Dryden, and 
has three sons. 

Isaac Newton, deceased, was born in Vermont in 1806, and 
when about ten years of age, moved to New York with his parents. 
He remained there until 1833, when he came to Michigan and 
settled in Macomb County, where he resided up to 1840, when he 
came lo Dryden and settled on wild land on section 30, which he 
cleared, fenced and improved, residing upon it until his death in 
1881. He was married in 1829 to Miss Whitbeck, who died in 
1830, leaving one son. Was again married in 1834 to Miss A. 
Goff, by whom he had one son. Mr. Newton held the office of 
justice of the peace many years. 

Francis Newton, second son of the late Isaac Newton, was 
born in Macomb County in 1835; came to Dryden with his parents, 
and has since resided on the homestead. He has held the office of 
constable five years. In 1857 he was married to Miss A. Swain, of 
Dryden, and has two children. 

Allen HosxMer was born in Monroe County, N. Y., in 1824, 
and at eighteen years of age came to Michigan and located in the 
township of Washington, Macomb County, wbere he remained un- 
til 1819. He then came to Dryden and took up wild land on sec- 
tion 32, which he improved, and still resides upon, having added to 
his original purchase until he owns 260 acres on sections 31 arid 
32. He was married in 1845 to Miss Jane Schanck, of Macomb 
County, and has three children— Orrin G., married Miss Hannah 
Miller, of Dryden; Eichard N., married Miss Eva J. Whitbeck, ©f 
Dryden; and Retta still remains at home. Mr. Hosmer has held 
the office of commissioner of highways for three years. 

Ebenezer KiTTRrooE, deceased, was born in Vermont in 1780, 
and about 1812 went to Canada, where he remained until 1818, 
when he came to Michigan and settled in Romeo, Macomb County. 
In 1831 he came to Lapeer County and settled in the township of 
Almont, remaining there until 1846, when he removed to St. Clair 
County, residing there until his death in 1864. He married Miss 
Dina Washburn in 1814, by whom he had ten children. Harriet, 
the youngest daughter, was born in Macomb County in 1825, and 
in 1841 married Seymour Carpenter, who died in 1847, leaving one 
daughter, who is now Mrs. Joshua Gilhngs. In 1849 she was 
again married to Thomas Hogan, who died in 1875, and in 1877 
married her third and present husband, Norman Fuher, and now 
resides on section 21 in Dryden. 

Nelson Zavits was born in Canada in 1845, remaining there 
until 1862, when he came to Michigan and settled in St. Clair 
County. After remaining there a short time he removed to Ionia 
County, where he resided until 1869, when he came to Dryden and 
lived in Thornville one year. He then purchased 130 acres of land 
on section 28, where he now resides. In 1870 he married Miss 
Maria A. Wood, of Dryden, and has six children. Mr. Zavits 
added forty acres to his farm on section 27 in 1879. 

Sanford C. Allen, deceased, was born in Cayuga, County, N. 
Y., in 1815, and came to Michigan in 1837 and settled in the town- 
ship of Almont, where he remained until his death in 1852. He 
married Miss Mary Atwater, of Cayuga County,^N. Y., who died in 



1846, leaving four children, and was again married to Miss Helen 
Stone, of Macomb County, by whom he had three children. Jason 
Allen, the eldest son, was born in the township of Almont in 1839, 
remaining there until 1852. He then went to Macomb County^ 
residing there tih 1864, when he returned to Almont, and in 1867 
came to Dryden. In 1878 he purchased 110 acres of land on 
sections 27 and 34, upon which he now resides. He was married 
in 1862 to Miss Margaret J. Murray, of Ohio, and has five children. 
John Delaney was born in Ireland in 1836, and when four 
years of age came to New York with his parents. He afterward 
went to Vermont and remained till 1854, when he came to Macomb 
Comity, residing there the greater part of the time up to 1866, 
being engaged principally in staging. He then came to Lapeer' 
County and resided in Almont tiU 1870, going from there to Lapeer, 
where he remained two years; then came to Dryden in 1872 and 
settled oQ section 26. He then purchased eighty acres of land, 
which he has greatly improved, and still resides upon. In 1867 he 
married Miss Mary Ferguson, of Oakland County. 

John Freer, farmer on section 18, was born in Ontario 
County, N. Y., in 1834, and came to Michigan with his parents in 
1839. Ill 1818 he returned to the State of New York and engaged 
in milling till 1854, when he again came to Michigan and followed 
milhng in Macomb and Lapeer Counties until 1862, when he 
located on section 18 in the township of Dryden, where he now 
resides. In 1870 he engaged in mercantile business in Thornville, 
which he carried on until 1880, holding the office of postmaster 
during the greater part of the time. Mr. Freer served his town- 
ship in the capacity of supervisor from 1866 to 1876 and as treas> 
urer in 1864 and 1865.. He wa3 married in 1858 to Miss Rebecca 
Walhs, of London, England, by whom he has four children. 

Thomas Riches was born in England in 1814 and remained 
there until 1836, when he came to the United States and located 
near Rochester, N. Y. After remaining there one^; year he came to 
Michigan and settled in Macomb County near Romeo, and took up 
from the government 102 acres of land in what is now the town- 
ship of Berhn, St. Clair County, which he soon thereafter sold. In 
1842 he took up two forty acre tracts on section 17 in the township 
of Dryden, and after spending the winter of 1842-'43 in Almont he 
settled on the land, Avhere he has since resided, and to which he 
has added by subsequent purchase until he now owns 160 acres, 100 
acres of which is cleared. Mr. Riches lias made many valuable 
improvements on his farm, among which may be mentioned a wheat 
barn 34x46 feet and a hay barn 21x60 feet, besides other out-build- 
ings. He was married in 1837 to Miss Miry Twite, of Encrland, 
who died in 1841, leaving two daughters. Ehzibeth, the eldest, 
married John Van Kleek, and Mary is the wife of James Lee, of 
Metamora. Mr. Riches was again married to Mrs. Sarah Chap- 
man, of St. Clair County, Mich. 

William C. Day was born in Otsego County, N. Y., in 1812, 
and in 1814 with his parents moved to Ch lut luqna County, where 
they remained until 1825, when they removed to Pennsylvania. 
He remained there until 1838, wheu he came to Michigan and 
settled on section 9 in the township of Dryden, Lapeer County 
taking up from the government eighty acres of land, upon which he 
still resides, and to which he has aided, until he now owns 160 
acres. In 1812 he was married to Miss Emma Phelps, of Steuben 
County, N. Y., who died in 1852, leaving four children. In 1853 
he was again married to Mrs. Lucretia Sprague, of New Jersey, 
daughter of Adam Manwaring. Mr. Day now holds the office of 
justice of the peace. His eldest son, George C, was born in 1843, 
and still remains at home; Virginia N. was born in 1846 and 
Caroline V. in 1850, who is now the wife of George Lamb, of the 
township of Lapeer. 









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112 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



Henry Bartlett was born in Canada in 1825, and in 18B9 
with his parents moved to Genesee County, N. Y., Avhere they re- 
mained until 1840. In that year they came to Michigan and 
settled in the township of Dryden, Lapeer County, where they re- 
mained until 1845, when they removed to Oxford, Oakland County. 
In 1852 he went to California, remainuig. there four years, when he 
returned to Michigan and again became a resident of Dryden, 
locatmg on his present home on section 15. He first purchased 
eighty acres of land, but subsequently added to it until he now 
owns 198 acres. He was married in 1858 to Miss Eliza Lamb, of 
Dryden, and has three children — two sons and one daughter. 

Augustus Dittman was born in Prussia in 1839, remaining 
there until 1855, when he emigrated to the United States, locating 
in Macomb County, Mich. In 1861 he enhsted in the Ninth Mich- 
igan Infantry and served until the close of the war, being under 
General Thomas most of the time. He was married in 1866 to 
Miss Maria Kohler, of Macomb County, and has a family of three 
children. 

Joseph Manwaring was born in N^w Jersey in 1829, and in 
1835 came to Michigan Avith his parents, who settled in Orion, 
Oakland County. In 1852 he came to Dryden, and engaged in 
the mercantile business, which he has since continued. In 1867 he 
was mariied to Miss Ella S. Snover, of Oakland County, and has 
one daughter. Mr. Manwaring has held the office of supervisor 
since 1880; and the office of town clerk at various times. Was 
appointed postmaster in 1861, and has since had charge of the 
office. 

Joseph Darwood was born in Burlington County, New Jersey, 
in 1822, where he remained until 1852, when he came to Michigan, 
and located in the village of Dryden. Mr. Darwood is an architect 
by profession, and has done a large business in building in his 
vicinity, besides being interested in other branches of business. 
He was one of the promoters of the P. 0. & P. A. E. E., and is at 
present a member of its board of directors. Has also held the 
office of township treasurer for ten or twelve years. Was mar- 
ried in 1847 to Miss Mary H. Eandolph, of Burlington County, 
N. Y. 

J. Merritt Lamb, son of the late John M. Lamb, was born in 
Dryden in 1843. In 1862 he enhsted in the Eighth Michigan 
Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. Was promoted to 
sergeant, and afterward received a lieutenant's commission. Eeturn- 
ing home after the war he engaged in mercantile business in 
Dryden, and for a time was also engaged in lumbering, besides 
dealing extensively in real estate. He was married in 1868 to Miss 
Helen Hemingway, of Lapeer, and has one son. In 1869 he 
engaged in farming on section 12 where he now resides. 

Alphonso Clark was born m Ontario County, N. Y., in 1810. 
He moved with his parents shortly afterward to Genesee County, 
N. Y., where they remained until 1823, when they removed to 
Monroe County, N. Y. Eemained there until 1829, when he came 
to Michigan, and located in Macomb County, in the township of 
Bruce, moving again in 1838 to the township of Berlin, St. Clair 
County, taking up land from the government, which he improved 
and resided upon until 1848. In 1850 he came to the township of 
Dryden, and located on section 17, where he now resides, owning 
a farm of 145 acres. In 1837 he married Miss Emily Bannister, of 
Almont, and has six living children. 

Joshua Gillings was horn in the State of Illinois, in 1839. 
Wlien three years of age he came with his parents to Lapeer City, 
Mich., and shortly after moved with them to Pontiac, Mich., where 
they resided seven years. They then returned to Lapeer County, 
and located in the township of Lapeer, where they rempined one year, 
coming at the end of that time in the spring of 1851 to the town- 



ship of Dryden. In 1855 he took up forty acres of wild land on 
section 16, which he has improved and added to until he now owns 
197 acres on sections 16 and 17, where he resides. He was 
married in 1860 to Miss Calfernia Carpenter of Dryden, and has 
one daughter. 

Mrs. Martha Webster was born in England in 1814. Coming 
to America she first located in the State of New York, where she 
remained two years, then went to Illinois. In 1842 she came to 
Michigan and now resides with her son, Joshua Gillings. She has 
been twice married, first to Abraham Gillings, of England, who 
died in 1840, and second to Isaac Webster, who died in 1872. 

George H. Kendrick was born in Vermont in 1810, remaining 
there until about 1831. From that date until 1848 he was in 
Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York, when he 
came to Michigan and settled in the township of Dryden, Lapeer 
County. He located on section 22, where he remained until 1880, 
when he removed to his present place on section 15. In 1836 he 
was married to Miss Abigail W. Proctor of Cambridge, Mass., and 
has two children. 

D. CooLEY, farmer, on section 15, was born in Niagara County, 
N. Y., in 1819, remainin'g there until 1832, when he came to 
Michigan with his parents and remained in Macomb County with 
an elder brother till 1844, when he came to the township of 
Dryden, Lapeer County, and settled on section 23, where he now 
resides. He at first purchased 160 acres of land, to which he has 
made additions until he is the owner of 340 acres on sections 23, 
20, 16, and 15. He was married in. 1844 to Miss Fidelia M. Hills, 
of Macomb County, who died in 1856, leaving two daughters. He 
was again married in 1857, and by her has two daughters. 

James Blow, deceased, was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., 
in 1806, and about 1827 moved to Tioga County, N. Y., where he 
remained until 1838. In that year he came to Michigan, and 
settled in the township of Dryden, Lapeer County, taking up 160 
acres of land from the government on sections 6 and 7, which he 
improved and hved upon until his death, which occurred in 1883, 
and had added to his first purchase until his farm comprised 220 
acres. He was married in 1839 to Miss Maria Gibbs, daughter of 
Jason Gibbs, of the township of Dryden, and has four sons and one 
daughter. Alonzo and Otis reside in Metamora, while Perry, 
Norman a^nd Lydia, remain on the old homestead with their 
mother. 

William H. Blow, son of John Blow, was born in Tioga 
County, N. Y., and came to Michigan with his parents as above 
described. In 1856 he engaged in farming on the old homestead 
and in 1857 went to Illinois where he remained until 1859, when 
he returned to the township of Dryden, and the following year 
purchased eighty acres of the old homestead where he now resides. 
He was married in 1863 to Miss Lois Parker, of Flint, Mich., and 
has five sons. Mr. Blow has held the office of constable for nine 
successive years, has been highway commissioner and has held 
other minor offices. 

Ezra Eoff was born in Erie County, N. Y., in 1828, and in 
1838 with his parents moved to Evans County, N. Y., and about 
1843 came to Michigan and settled in the township of Dryden on 
section 7, taking up 120 acres of land from the government upon 
which he still resides. He was married in 1850 to Miss Nancy 
Seelye, of Dryden, by whom he has one son, and five daughters. 
Anna Maria was born in 1851, and married Charles Grinnell, of 
Dryden ; Mary E. was born in 1853, and married Wallace Sanburn, 
of Dryden; Estelle was born in 1857, and married James Went- 
worth, of Macomb County ; Huldali was born in 1862, and married 
George Morrison, of Canada; Henry and Jennie still reside at 
home. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEER COUNTY 



113 



Jacob Eoff, deceased, was bom in the State of New York, in 
1793, and came to Michigan in 1843. He settled in the township of 
Dryden, Lapeer County, on section 7, where he remained luitil 
his death in 1876. He married Miss Polly Sutherland, of New 
York, by whom he had seven children. 

Albert Hilliker was born in Erie County, N. Y., in 1836, 
and the following year came with his parents to Michigan. They 
first located in Macomb County, where they resided but a short 
time when they came to Lapeer County, and some time afterward 
purchased wild land on section 3, in the township of Dryden, 
which they partly improved, but subsequently sold and purchased 
land on section 7. In 1861 the subject of this sketch purchased 
land on 8ection 9, where he remained until 1870, when he pur- 
chased his present place of eighty acres on section 5, where he new 
resides. He was married in 1860 to Miss R. Conley, and has one 
son and two daughters. 

G. P. Empey was born in Canada in 1836 and the following 
year moved with his parents to the State of N. Y., where after a 
short residence they removed to Michigan and located in Macomb 
County. In 1858 they came to the township of Dryden and pur- 
chased eighty acres of land on section 8, remaining there until 
1865 when he sold the farm and returned to Macomb County. The 
year following he came back to Dryden, and once more located on 
the farm he had previously occupied, where he has since resided. 
In 1857 he married Miss Ann L. Snover of Macomb County, and 
has a son and two daughters. 

Marshal Mahaffy was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1832, 
and in 1833 came with his parents to Michigan. They settled in 
the township of Bruce, Macomb County, taking up land from the 
government on section 24, where they engaged in farming up to 
1863, when he came to the township of Dryden and purchased 120 
acres of land on section 7, where he now resides. He was married 
in 1861 to Miss MaryL. Bostick, of Almont, and has seven children 
living — Byron M., Myron C, Carrie, Cassie, Marcia, Mary and 
Lydia. In 1864 Mr. Mahaffy was elected justice of the peace, 
holding the office until 1880; has also held the office of highway 
commissioner. 

Joseph Smith was born in the township of Almont, Lapeer 
County, in 1838, and remained there until 1866, when he went to 
Lake Superior and worked at blacksmithing one year. He then 
came to the township of Dryden, and settled on 160 acres of land 
on section 17, and to which he has made an addition of forty acres 
on section 8, where he now resides. He is a son of the late Joshua 
Smith, of Almont. 

Perry Arnold was born in Macomb County, Mich., in 18:U, 
remaining there until 1853, when he went to Cahfornia and engaged 
in mining till 1857, when he returned to his old home, where 
he resided until 1864. He then came to the township of Dryden 
and located on section 4, where he remained four years, then re- 
turning to Macomb County he remained there one year, and then 
returned to Dryden and setUed on sections 5 and 6, where he now 
resides. He was married in 1858 to Miss Lucy Wentworth, of 
Oakland County, and has two children — a son and daughter. 

Timothy Utley, deceased, was born in Connecticut in 1797, 
and in 1837 came to Michigan and settled in the township of Dry- 
den, Lapeer County, taking up 160 acres of land from the govern- 
ment on section 9, which he cleared, fenced, improved and lived 
upon until his death in 1857. In 1836 he married Miss Mary 
Loree, of Pontiac, by whom he had five children, three of whom 
are living. Timothy, the eldest son was born in 1839 on the old 
homestead, where he still resides. He was married in 1858 to Miss 
Mary C. Lewis, of Dryden, and has four sons and one daughter. 

James Hinks, deceased, was born in the State of New York in 



1804 and came to Michigan in 1837, and settled in the township of 
Dryden, where he remained until 1846, when he went to Ilhnois. 
In 1851 he returned to Dryden, where he resided until his death, 
which occurred in 1874. He was married in 1823 to Miss Lucy 
Swift, of New York, by whom he had nine children, five of whom 
are living. Charlotte, the eldest, married Seth Hall, of Dryden, in 
1842. and had eleven children, six of whom are living. Of 
her children, Martha (the eldest) married Jacob M. Sherman; 
Seth J. married Miss Maria Wells ; Fred married Miss Clara 
Manley ; Lucy married Mark D. BiUings ; Nelhe married 
Wilhs Dodge, and Clarence E. stih remains at home. Mrs. HaU 
had three sons ia the army. Theron and Wesley were in the 8th 
Michigan Cavalry, and the following winter after his enhstment 
Theron died. Seth J. enhsted in the Tenth Michigan Cavalry, and 
served two and one-half years. 

Elijah Bartlett was born in Canada in 1837, and in 1839 
with his parents moved to Genesee County, N. Y., where they 
resided one year previous to coming to Michigan in 1840. They 
located in the township of Dryden, Lapeer County. He remained 
there until 1858, when he removed to Pontiac, and in 1860 vfenfc to 
Cahfornia, where he lived until 1864. He then returned to Dryden 
and settled on sections 9 and 16, where he has since resided. In 
1859 he was married to Miss Ellen Dutton, of Oakland County, and 
has one son and three daughters. 

J. J. EuPERT was born in Canada in 1831, and remained there 
until 1857, when he came to Lapeer County and located in the 
township of Attica, at Mattoon's Corners. In 1865 he came to Drv- 
den and engaged in blacksmithing, which he still carries on, having 
worked at the trade since 1850. He was married in 1858 to Miss 
Mary J. Johnson, of Attica, who died, leaving a son and daughter. 
In 1865 he was again married, his second wife being Miss Anna M. 
Eandolph, of Dryden, and by whom he has had one child. Miss 
Martha E. Eupert is engaged in school teaching, and Arthur E. 
Eupert is at Eeed City, Mich., in the employ of the G. E. & I. E.E. 
He married Miss Dora M. Filkins, of Imlay City, and has one 
child. 

William H. H. Cheasbro was born in Erie County, N. Y., in 
1842, and during that year came with his parents to Michigan. 
They settled in the township of Elba on section 29, where he re- 
mained some time, then went to the township of Lapeer, and 
resided with his grandparents for five years. He then spent one 
summer near Hunter's Creek, and from there went to New York, 
where he spent some time, and then returned to Lapeer County and 
settled on section 34, township of Elba, remaining there until 1858. 
He then went to Hadley and learned the shoemaker's trade, and in 
1866 came to Dryden and worked at his trade for James D. Brophy 
until 1871 when he purchased the business, which he still continues; 
his present trade is in boots, shoes and harness. He was married 
in 1868 to Miss Mary J. Everton, of Almont. During the years of 
1881 -'82 Mr. Cheasbro held the office of township clerk, and was 
elected justice of the peace in 1882. 

James Whitaker, deceased, was born in the State of Ehode 
Island in 1800, remaining there until 1832, when he came to Michi- 
gan and settled in Wayne County. He remained there until 1836, 
when he came to Lapeer County and took up 320 acres from the 
government on sections 4 and 9 in the township of Dryden, which 
he improved and lived upon until his death in 1872. About 1830 
he was married to Miss Eliza J. Utley, of Connecticut, by whom he 
had seven children. 

Elisha Whitaker, son of James Whitaker, was born on the old 
homestead in 1840, and is still a resident of it. He enlisted in the 
Fourteenth Michigan Infantry during the late war, and was with 
►Sherman's command in his celebrated " march to the sea," servinfy 






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114 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



till the rebellion was ended. He was married in 1866 to Miss Bella 
Dickenson, of Almont, and lias four children. 

J. T. Phelps was born in Elgin County, Canada, in 1844, re- 
maining there until 1865, when he came to Michigan, and engaged 
in the lumber business in the township of Oregon, Lapeer County. 
He continued the business till 1868, and in 1869 purchased a farm 
on section 6 in Dryden, where he has since resided. He was mar- 
ried in 1870 to Miss Harriet Lander, of Almont, and has three 
children. 

Joseph WiNSLow, deceased, was born in Vermont in 1788; 
went to New York in early life, and afterward came to Michigan 
and settled in Oakland County, residing there about five years, 
when he came to Dryden and settled on section 11, where he re- 
mained until his death in 1858. He was married in 1827 to Miss 
Polly Halt, by whom he had four children, of whom Wesley Wins- 
low was one. Mrs. Winslow died in 1877. 

Wesley Winslow was born in Clyde, N. Y., in 1883, and the 
same year came with his parents to Michigan and settled in Oak- 
land County, near Eomeo. In 1838 they removed to Dryden and 
took up eighty acres of wild land, upon which Mr. Winslow still 
resides. He was married in 1857 to Miss Eleanor Weaver, of 
Canada, who died in 1881, leaving three children. 

Wn^LiAM J. Eeynolds was born in New Jersey in 1842, and in 
1852 came to Michigan with his parents and settled in the town- 
ship of Dryden. He resided there until 1878, when he removed to 
Imlay and purchased a farm, residing there three years, when he 
returned to Dryden and located on section 10, where he now re- 
sides. In 1866 he married Miss Harriet Lewis, daughter of 0. A. 
Lewis. They have five children. Mr. Eeynolds is the present 
(1883) township treasurer. 

Olivek a. Lewis was born in Middlesex County, Conn., in 
1818, and about 1815 moved with his parents to Pennsylvania, 
remaining there until 1819, and thence to Erie County, Ohio, where 
he remained until 1836. In that year he came io Dryden and took 
up from the government on section 10 one hundred and twenty 
acres of land, where he now resides. He was married in 1837 to 
Miss Eliza J. Howe, of Dryden, who died in 1879, leaving seven 
children. Eliza J. married James Alverson, of Dryden; Harriet, 
W. J. Eeynolds, of Dryden; Esther, Charles Hodges, of Dryden; 
Alice, Frank Scott; Marian, Amos Hanlon. Florence and Will- 
iam still remain at home. 

HoLDEN Tbipp, deceased, was born in New York in 1800, where 
he remained until 1887, when he came to Michigan and settled on 
wild land on section 12 in Dryden. He remained on the land 
which he cleared and improved until his death, which occurred in 
1867. When he first came to Dryden there were but two or three 
families in the township. He was married to Miss Julia Butter- 
field, of New York, by whom he had five children, three of whom 
are living. L. H. Tripp, the youngest son, was born in the old 
homestead in 1840 and stiU resides there, having improved the 
place to the extent of making it one of the finest in the township. 
He was married in 1864 to Miss L. Baker, daughter of E. H. 
Baker, of Dryden, and has one son. 

Walden Clark was born in St. Clair County in 1844, and in 
1849 came with his parents to Dryden, where he remained till 1864. 
He then enlisted in the Fourteenth Michigan Infantry, and was in 
General Sherman's command, participating in the battle of Benton- 
viUe, siege of Savannah and several minor engagements, serving 
until the close of the war. From 1865 to 1869 was engaged in the 
lumber business, and in 1872 purchased land in section 2, remain- 
ing there till 1876, when he located on section 1, where he now 
owns a farm of 180 acres. In 1876 was married to Miss Jane 
Ball, of Dryden, and has four children. 



William Eeynolds was born in Scotland in 1811, moved to 
Ireland in 1830, and in 1882 came to America. He landed in New 
York, and remained there and in NeW Jersey till 1842, when he 
came to Michigan and settled in Dryden on section 7, taking up 
new land which he has cleared, fenced, and otherwise improved and 
still resides upon. He was married in 1833 to Miss Margaret 
Fleming, of Ireland, who died in 1869, leaving five children, and 
was again married in 1872 to Mrs. Sutton, of Lapeer. Mr. 
Eeynolds' son, Eobert, enlisted in the Tenth Michigan Infantry, 
and after serving nearly three years was killed in the battle of 
Buzzard's Boost. 

James More, deceased, was born in Scotland' in 1816 and 
came to America in 1841. He stopped in New York until 1851, 
when he came to Michigan and located in the town of Almont, re- 
maining there until 1853, when he removed to Metamora and 
settled on section 1. In 1857 he was elected sheriff of Lapeer 
County and removed to Lapeer City and resided there until the ex- 
piration of his term of office. He then returned to Metamora, 
making that his home until 1865, when he removed fco Thornville, 
where he resided until his death in 1870. He was married in 1851 
to Miss Cynthia Eichmond, of New York, by whom he had six 
children. 

John Courter, deceased, was born in New Jersey in 1798 and 
remained there until 1840, when he moved to New York and re- 
sided there until 1843, when he came to Michigan and settled in 
the township of Dryden on section 6, where he remained until his 
death in 1882. He was married in 1885 to Miss Elizabeth Smith, 
of New York, and by whom he had three children. 

William H. Courter, son of John Courter, was born in New 
York in 1837 and came to Michigan with his parents and now^re- 
sides on the old homestead in Dryden. In 1860 he married Miss 
M. Cunningham, of Dryden, and has four children. 

J. W. Cole was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1838, and 
in 1849 moved to Canada with his parents, where he remained 
until 1859, when he came to Michigan and located in Dryden, 
where he has since resided. He has been quite an extensive dealer 
in real estate, having owned nine different farms in the county, and 
now owns 210 acres on sections 12 and 18. In 1875 he took a trip 
to California and spent the winter. He was married in 1861 to 
Miss Louisa Fancher, of Attica, and has one son. 

John H. Porter, deceased, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., 
in 1800, remaining there until 1836, when he came to Michigan 
and settled in Macomb County, taking up land from the govern- 
ment. He resided there till 1853, when he came to Dryden and 
settled on section 12, remaining there until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1881. He was married in 1828 to Miss Sarah Price, of 
Maryland, by whom he had seven children, four of whom are living. 

Julius A. Porter, son of John H., was born in Macomb 
County in 1841, came to Dryden with his parents, and now resides 
on the old homestead. In 1863 he married Miss Anna E. Van 
Kleek, daughter of Henry Van Kleek. 

Peter Ulrick, deceased, was born in Germany in 1807, and 
came to America in 1888. He landed in New York, and the follow- 
ing year came to Lapeer County and settled in the township of 
Metamora on section 12, taking up 120 acres of wild land. A few 
months thereafter he was murdered by a neighbor by the name of 
Henry Daum. Mr. Ulrick was twice married in German3\ 

Peter Ulrick, son of Peter Ulrick, deceased, was born in Ger- 
many in 1887 and came to Michigan with his parents, but remained 
at home but a short time after the shooting of his father, but went 
to reside with Andrew Farrell, with whom he remained until 1855. 
He then went to Macomb County, where he remained a few months, 
and the following winter attended school in Metamora. The next 






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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



115 



year lie spent in Oakland County and the lumber woods, when he 
returned to Metamora and followed well digging. The year 1858 
he spent in Dryden and South Branch, and in 1859 engaged in 
farming in Dryden, and the same fall purchased eighty acres of 
land on section 28, where he remained till 1874. He then pur- 
chased forty-six acres on section 14, and in 1876 a tract of forty 
acres adjoining. In 1878 he purchased a farm of 120 acres on 
section 11, where he now resides. He was married in 1855 to Miss 
Samantha Townsend, of Dryden, and has two children. 

Yates Ferguson was born in the State of New York, in 1847, 
and when quite young moved with his parents to Canada, and 
about 1853 came to Michigan and settled in the township of Dryden. 
In 1869 he engaged in the mei can tile business in Diyden which he 
continued up to 1872, when he went to Imlay and remained until 
1876. He then returned to Dryden and settled on a farm of 120 
acres on section 15 where he now resides. He married Miss Anna 
B. Sargent, in 1876, and has three children. 

WAsmNGTON Maynard was born in Canada in 1832, and in 
1844 came to Michigan with his parents and settled in Dryden 
taking up wild land on section 23. In 1854 he purchased eighty 
acres on section 22, upon which he has since resided. He was 
married in 1854 to Miss Julia Ann Townsend, of Macomb County, 
and has four children, two sons and two daughters. C. F. May- 
nard, the eldest, married Miss A. Loomis, of Lapeer, Caroline 
married Fred Kendrick, of Dryden, while Elmer and Lillie are still 
at home. 

Horace Bartlett was born in Whitby, Ont., in 1827, and in 
1840 came to Michigan with his parents, who settled in Dryden. 
In 1848 he went to Oxford and worked on a farm, gomg from there 
to Avon, where he remained until 1852. In the spring of 1853 he 
came to Dryden and purchased sixty- six acres of land on section 14, 
where he resided until 1863, then changed to 100 acres on the 
same section, and in 1873 purchased eighty acres on section 15, 
where he now resides, and owns 180 acres on sections 14 and 15. 
He was married in 1853 to Miss Adelaide Whitaker. of Oakland 
County, and has six children, Ehza A., Mary Ellen, Frank, Adel- 
bert, Carlotta and May. 

J. S. Kendrick, son of G. H. Kendrick, was born in Maine in 
1837, and came to Michigan with his parents and settled in Dry- 
den. He remained on the homestead until 1871 when he pur- 
chased sixty acres of land on section 16, where he remained ten 
years. In 1881 he purchased his present place of eighty acres on 
section 22, where he has since resided. He was married in 1861 to 
Miss L. J. Hubbard of Macomb county, and has one son and 
daughter. 



TOWK OF METAMORA. 

This is one of the southern tier of towns and is bounded on the 
north by Lapeer, east by Dryden, south by county line, and west 
by Hadley. 

The township was set off from Hadley, and organized into a 
town in 1838. The first town meeting was held June 25, 1838, at 
the house of Tobias Price and seventeen voters were present. The 
town meeting and the Whig and Democrat caucuses met the same day 
and at the same house. The log house having but one room, after 
the fashion of those days, the two parties agreed upon a crack in 
the floor as a line of division, the Whigs taking the end nearest the 
door, and the Democrats the other, in which was the huge old- 
fashioned fire-place. The following is a true copy of the proceed- 
ings of this town meeting, which was conducted on purely Demo- 
cratic principles, the officers being elected by ballot: 



First town meeting for township of Metamora, held at the 
house of Tobias Price, June 25, 1838. 

The board consisted of Tobias Price, chairman, and James W. 
Sanborn, clerk, and proceeded as follows: On the first baUot 
Andrew Farrell was chosen supervisor; on second ballot, Jonathan 
Salisbury was chosen town clerk ; on third ballot, the following per- 
sons were chosen assessors, viz: J. B. Morse, Asa Griggs, and 
Tobias Price; W. C. Tower was chosen collector. On fourth ballot 
the following persons were elected overseers of the poor, viz : Enos 
Sahsbury and Abram Van Grelder; on fifth ballot, M. A. Porter, A. 
Dalby, and S. Perkins were elected highway commissioners; at 
sixth ballot, the following persons were elected school inspectors: 
S. S, Lord, P. B. Webster, and Samuel Eedmond; at seventh ballot 
the following persons were elected justices of the peace: Leonard 
Kussell, for four years; S. Eedmond, for three years; Levi S. Lilley, 
for two years; P. B. Weston, for one year. At eighth ballot, the 
following persons were elected constables: William C. Tower, 
David Hendrix, and A. Dalby. Voted, that we now adjourn this 
meeting to the next annual township meeting, to be held in April, 
A. D., 1839. 

(Signed) TOBIAS PKICE, Chairman. 

J. W. S INBORN, Clerk. 

William C. Tower, who was elected constable at this unique 
town meeting, afterward married and settled in Hadley. He was 
killed a few years after in the lumber woods, near Port Huron, by a 
log rolHng over him. David Hendrix was an old man, and died 
soon after, and A. Dalby removed to Goodrich, Genesee County. 
None of these persons seem to have made any location in town. 



LAND ENTRIES PRIOR TO 1846. 

TOWNSmP 6 NORTH, RANGE XS^ EAST. 

Section 1. Davis Taylor, June 11, 1836. 

John Swathell, June 18, 1836. 

Davis Taylor, April 20, 1836. 

Firman Burch, August 19, 1841. 
Section 2. John Swathell, June 18, 1836. 

D. Headley and George D. Phelps, June 28, 1836. 

Thankful L. Dewey, November 5, 1840. 

Horace Hinnian and Elisha Webster, superintend- 
ents of the poor, November 5, 1840. 
Section 3. James Hilliard, April 20, 1836. 

David D. Parmlee, April 20, 1836. 

Wilhani D. Starr, April 20, 1836. 
Section 4. John Swathell, April 20, 1836. 

Stephen M. Shaddick, April 20, 1836. 

Wilhain H. Niles, April 20, 1886. 

Mica Sill, April 20, 1836. 

John Swathell, June 18, 1836. 
Section 5. John Curran, May 28, 1836. 

Matthew Caley, May 28, 1836. 

John Chauncey, June 18, 1836. 

Samuel Sage, June 18, 1836. 

John Coverdale, July 18, 1836. 

John Coverdale, July 13, 1836. 

Abraham Noyes, January 16, 1837. 
Section 6. Joseph B. Morse, May 23, 1833. 

Joseph B. Morse, June 28, 1833. 

John A. Hopkins, October 16, 1834. 

Trumbull Carey, October 29, 1835. 

Henry W. Hamlin and John S. Wright, May 9, 1836. 

John A. Merritt, October 11, 1836. 

Lemuel Covill, January 1, 1838. 



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116 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



Section 6. Lemuel Covill, May 9, 1839. 

John A. Merritt, February 7, 1839. 
Section 7. Neliemiab Tower, June 10, 1836. 

Eeuben Underwood, June 16, 1836. 

N. Bouch and Rice Orcutt, August 25, 1836. 

Henry M. Look, October 11, 1836. 

Joseph B. Morse, October 19, 1836. 

John B. Cady, February 28, 1837. 

AJpheus Cady, June 18, 1839. 
Section 8. Samuel Perkins, July 6, 1836. 

George S. Hopkins, July 15, 1836. 

Newman C. Griswold, July 15, 1836. 

Andrew Merritt, September 24, 1836. 
Section 9. James M. Plumb, April 20, 1836. 

Horace Johnson and Horace E. Boardman, April 20, 
1836. 

Timothy Boardman, April 20, 1836. 

Alexander Keith, April 20, 1836. 
Section 10. Josiah Danforth, April 20, 1836. 

Elijah H. Roberts, April 20, 1836. 

Frederick Treadway, April 20, 1836. 
Section 11. Eppiphus Isham, May 9, 1837. 

Harry F. Perkins, June 9, 1837. 

Henry Daum, July 10, 1837. 

Nath. B. Miller, October 5, 1837. 

Nath. B. Miller, February 23, 1838. 

Henry Groff, June 1, 1838. 

Henry Groff, September 30, 1840. 
Section 12. John M. Lamb, March 24, 1836. 

David Taylor, June 8, 1836. 

J. Steele and Thos. Clubbs, June 14, 1836. 

Peter Ulliich, September 4, 1837. 

Balsar Neuman, September 4, 1837. 

Asal Bachellor, January 1, 1838. 

Harry F, Perkins, March 26, 1839. 

Nath. B. Miller, February 23, 1838. 
Section 13. Samuel Dirstine, May 30, 1836. 

David Taylor, June 8, 1836. 

Charles D. Burr, June 8, 1836. 

Thomas Clubbs, June 14, 1836. 

John Steel, June 14, 1836. 

William Steel, June 14, 1836. 

Samuel Dirstine, September 21, 1836. 
Section 14. Thomas Clubbs, June 14, 1836. 

Ehsha P. Davis, July 14, 1836. 

Eppiphus Isham, May 9, 1837. 

Harry F. Perkins, June 9, 1837. 

Henry Daum, July 10, 1837. 

Nathan B. Miller, October 5, 1837. 

Robert Gourlay, April 22, 1845. 

Mercy Ann Bancroft, October 4, 1845. 
Section 15. Ehsha P. Davis, July 9, 1836. 

Ralph Chipman, July 9, 1836. 

Ehsha P. Davis, July 14, 1836. 

Hudson F. Benedict, November 9, 1836. 

Samuel Axford, November 12, 1836. 

Henry Haskins, May 28, 1839. 

Colonel Salisbury, May 19, 1841. 
Section 16. Eber Barrows, November 7, 1842. 

Thomas G. Omans, November 19, 1844. 

John D. Keith, October 6, 1845. 

William Henderson, November 17, 1845. 
Section 17. John S. Selden, June 6, 1836. 



Section 17. 



Section 18. 



Section 19. 



Section 20. 



Section 21. 



Section 22. 



Section 23. 



Section 24. 



Section 25. 



Section 26. 



Section 27. 



Section 28. 



Newman C. Giiswold, July 15, 1836. 

N. Bouch and R. Orcutt, August 25, 1836. 

Paul Perkins, February 10, 1838. 

D. Hoadley and George D. Phelps, June 28, 1836. 

Joseph Coffin, August 25, 1836. 

John B. Cady, February 28, 1837. 

Robert Earl Crawford, April 2, 1839. 

Ephraim J. Earles, April 10, 1839. 

Egbert G. Deming, April 28, 1836. 

Samuel Axford, June 20, 1836. 

D. Hoadley and George D. Phelps, June 28, 1836. 

Joseph W. Sanborn, May 7, 1836. 

John S. Selden, June 6, 1836. 

Esther Phelps, June 13, 1836. 

D. Hoadley and George D. Phelps, June 28, 1836. 

Berzail Shippey, November 14, 1836. 

Alfred Southmaid, April 20, 1836. 

Enoch Ferre, April 20, 1836. 

Allen May, April 20, 1836. 

James C. Beebe, April 20, 1836. 

Wilham Humphrey, June 1, 1836. 

B. Houghton, H. G. Hubbard and T. H. Hubbard, 

July 9, 1836. 
Robert H. Stone, May 28, 1836. 
Tobias Price, July 6, 1836. 
Ehsha P. Davis, July 9, 1836. 
D. Houghton, H. G. Hubbard and T. H. Hubbard, 

July 9, 1836. 
Uriah Smith, November 14, 1836. 
John Hudson, November 22, 1836. 
Benjamin L. Perkins, June 10, 1836. 
John Wylie, June 10, 1836. 
Robert Wylie, June 10, 1836. 
John Hudson, November 22, 1836. 
Jeremiah Hunt, March 18, 1840. 
Benjamin L. Perkins, June 10, 1836. 
Theodore E. Hunt, November 15, 1836. 
Leonard Russeh, November 15, 1836. 
Wilham Tann, April 15, 1837. 
Abel Dalby, April 15, 1837. 
Freeman Fellows, October 20, 1837. 
Samuel G. Hulbert, April 20, 1836. 
Luke C. Lyman, April 20, 1836. 
Wilham E. Hulbert, April 20, 1836. 
Ebenezer B. Tompkins, April 20, 1836. 
Francis E. Boyden, June 10, 1836. 
Horace A. Jenison, June 11, 1836. 
Benjamin L. Perkins, April 15, 1837. 
Darius J. Coville, July 21, 1837. 
Reben Griggs, May 20, 1836. 
Ehsha Sahsbury, June 8, 1836. 
Benjamin B. Knight, July 7, 1836. 
Levi S. Wiliey, June 8, 1836. 
Chauncey Wisner, November 24, 1836. 
James Redmond, December 23, 1837. 
Andrew Farrell, May 20, 1836. 
James Scott, June 4, 1836. 

D. Hoadley and George D. Phelps, June 28, 1836. 
Emma Price, July 6, 1836. 
Tobias Price, July 6, 1836. 
Ephraim Crofoot, April 20, 1836. 
Joseph Hall, April 20, 1836. 
Milo Mason, June 7, 1836. 



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HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



117 



Tobias Price, July 6, 1836. 

Horatio N. Fowler, April 20, 1886. 
Section 29. Joseph L. Kelsey, May 7, 1836. 

Berzail Shippey, May 11, 1836. 

John F. Clark, June 7, 1836. 

Ebenezer Knight, July 7, 1836. 
Section 30. Asher B. Bates, January 5, 1836. 

Asa Price, April 22, 1836. 

Jael Wellman, May 7, 1836. 

D. Hoadley and George D. Phelps, June 28, 1836. 

Justin N. Butler, January 12, 1839. 
Section 31. Ebenezer Eush, October 12, 1835. 

Asher B. Bates, January 5, 1836. 

Daniel H. Chandler, May 2, 1836. 

Joel Wellman, May 7, 1836. 

John F. Clark, June 7, 1836. 

John McKay, June 24, 1836. 

John McKay, June 25, 1836. 
Section 32. John Wetmore, June 4, 1831. 

Levi P. Miller, May 4, 1836. 

Price B. Webster, May 4, 1836. 

Stephen S. Lord, May 7, 1836. 

John Q. Taylor, May 11, 1836. 

John F. Clark, June 7, 1836. 

Oliver Martin, July 11, 1836. 
Section 33. John Wetmore, June 4, 1831. 

Jesse Lee, May 28, 1832. 

Peter Pioss, June 16, 1835. 

Smith Shippey, January 14, 1836. 

George Gillum, x\pril 20, 1836. 

Darius A. Ogden, September 15, 1836. 

Jacob Shaver, September 24, 1836. 
Section 34. Douglas Houghton, March 21, 1836. 

Levi S. Lilly, May 20, 1836. 

Lucy Stevens, July 16, 1836. 

Chris. G. Persons, September 13, 1836. 

Jesse Lee, May 8, 1837. 

Catherine Rogers, February 20, 1839. 

Ephraim F. Earls, April 10, 1839. 

Oliver Earls, April 10, 1839. 
Section 35. Jacob Lamb, March 31, 1836. 

Levi S. Lilly, May 20, 1836. 

Willett C. Jones, May 31, 1836. 

Orson E. Hall, June 3, 1836. 

James Jenkins, October 15, 1836. 

Smith Shippey, February 7, 1837. 

Samuel S. Hubbell, May 29, 1837. 

Samuel S. Hubbell, October 1, 1839. 

Samuel S. Hubbell, February 1, 1840. 
Section 36. Levi LeRoy, November 17, 1832. 

Isaac Fifield, April 6, 1836. 

George Gillum, April 20, 1836. 

Wantor Ransom, April 20, 1836. 

John C. Birdzell, April 1, 1836. 

Robert S. Craig, November 23, 1836. 



EARLY HISTORY. 

The early history of Metamora is given by Miss Nettie A. Corn- 
stock, as follows : 

"The first building put up in the town was a shingle shanty, 
built by Parker & Rogers, about 1829 or 1830, in a cedar swamp in 
the southeast part of the town. These men did not locate, how- 



ever, and left as soon as they had stolen timber sufficient for what 
shingles they wanted. 

"The first land located by an actual settler, was taken up by 
Jesse Lee, on section 33, some time in 1831. The next spring he 
removed his family West, his wife remaining at her father's in Ox- 
ford, Oakland County, while he put up a log house on his land, 
and in September, 1832, they moved into their own house, the only 
one in the county south of Lapeer and west of Almont. A son, 
James Lee, born here in January, 1834, was the first white child 
born in the town. In May, 1836, Mr. Lee erected a frame barn, 
the second built in the town. 

"Mr. and Mrs. Lee were the parents of seven sons, five of 
whom are still living, one having died a soldier in the late civil war 
and another, a few years since, at his home." 

Jesse Lee was born in Greene County, N. Y., in 1807, and in 
1815 went to Schoharie County with his parents, where he remained 
until 1825, thence to Genesee County, where he resided till 1831, 
when he came to Michigan. The following year he settled in Met- 
amora, on section 33, taking up 160 acres of land from the govern- 
ment, on which he resided forty-eight years. At the time of his arrival 
in the township it did not contain a single wagon road and his 
nearest neighbor was ten miles away, and for blacksmithing, mill- 
ing and family supplies, Rochester, eighteen miles distant, was the 
nearest point. The distance was often covered on foot by Mr. Lee, 
carrying log-chains, j)low-points, &c. He was married in 1827, to 
Miss Mary Ann Rossman, of the State of New York. The follow- 
ing poem was composed by Mrs. E. Clark on the fiftieth anniver- 
sary of their wedding day : 

Just fifty years have swiftly fied 
Since this aged pair were wed, 
Who stand before us here to-day. 
Their once bright Iccks now silver gray. 

They left their home in manhood's prime ; 
Left friends and dearest ties behind. 
To make a home in a distant land. 
In the forest wilds of Michigan. 

Their chosen home they loved full well; 
With strangers w^ere content to dwell ; 
The howling wolf, the Indian wild. 
Their lonely hours did oft beguile. 

They braved those perils, hushed their fears. 
Success did crown those early years; 
With willing hearts and hands to toil. 
With the ax and plow to till the soil. 

Sometimes the way seemed dark and drear, 
And oft bright hopes were lost in fear; 
But fortune smiled and flowers bloomed. 
And fairer grew their forest home. 

A daughter was their first-born child; 
Had scarcely on its parents smiled. 
Ere the sweet spirit took its flight 
To dwell in worlds of endless light. 

Seven noble sons, in manly pride. 
Did cluster around the fireside, 
And did, like jewels, bright and rare, 
Reward them for their tender care. 

And when rebellion's fearful hand 
Did threaten to destroy the land. 
The youngest son did meet the strife, 
And for his coimtry lost his life. 

Five years ago their eldest son 
Was summoned to the unknown home, 
And now but the remaining five 
With the aged parents yet survive. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEK COUNTY. 



Now all is changed; their toils are o'er; 
Those forest trees are known no more; 
With health, and wealth, and many a friend 
To cheer their pathway to the end. 

Although the bloom of youth has passed, 
And time his silvery shade has cast 
Upon the brow with marks of care. 
Yet fond remembrance lingers there. 

They oft look back with joy and piide 
• On that happy day, when side by side 
They first began life's rugged way, 
Just fifty years ago to-day. 

Four children are now living; James, the eldest, owns a farm 
adjoining the homestead; Leander resides in Saginaw^ Hiram in 
Hadley and Henry resides in Mayfield, 

Mr. and Mrs. Lee have been living in Oakland County the past 
two years, but both declare that another spring will find them back 
on the old place once more. 

The next location, as fcir as we can learn, was made by Joseph 
B. Morse, who emigrated from Eaton, Madison County, N. Y., in 
the spring of 1832, and settled at Lapeer in the fall of 1833, on 
section 6. The next spring he made a clearing on it and erected 
and enclosed the frame of a dwelling-house, and into this skeleton of 
a house, John Look, who with his brother-in-law, H. M. Look, had 
located land on section 1, in what is now the township of Hadley, 
removed, May 18, 1834. This solitary family was joined on the 
11th of July following, by the families of Messrs. Morse and H. M. 
Look, and they all lived under the same roof until fall, when the 
Messrs. Look moved into houses on their own land. This house 
is still standing, occupied as a barn, by Mrs. E. Gr. Cady. In 
1835 Mr. Morse built a frame barn, the first in the town: it is 
still standing, occupied by Mr. C. H. Brow^n. In December, 1835, 
Mr. Morse's infant son died — the first death in town, and on January 
1, 1837, his daughter Lucia was married to Eeuben Underwood, by 
Kev. Mr. Buggies, who walked from Pontiac to perform the ceie- 
mony, for which he received a fee of five dollars, w^hich in those 
days was regarded as a most liberal one. In 1838 the Farmers 
Creek postoffice was estajblished — the first in town, with J. B. 
Morse as postmaster. Mrs. Morse died in May, 1853, and Mr. 
Morse in April, 1854, at their first location. 

We cannot learn that there were any locations made in the 
township of Metamora during the year 1835, although several 
families located in Hadley that year, but in 1836 man^ families 
came in and made for themselves homes in the wilderness. 

Matthias Caley, his sons, William and Thomas, and John 
Cairn, who emigrated from the Isle of Man in 1828, and settled at 
Utica, N. Y., where they remained for seven or eight years, located 
on section 5 in May, 1836. In October, 1836, a log house was put 
up on J. Cairn's land, and in February, 1837, one on Matthias 
Caley' s. This, with its immense chimney of yellow and red bricks, 
is still standing, as a memorial of those early times, although but 
one of the family it sheltered still survives — Mr. Thomas Caley, 
who occupies the farms located by his father and Mr. Cairn. The 
following year, 26th of June, 1837, Mr. Cairn died; his funeral 
was attended by Eev. Mr. Sly, a Presbyterian minister. His 
widow afterward married Thomas Caley, and died July 2, 1862. 
She was for years an invalid, and her ill-health produced insanity 
and suicide. She was a most estimable w^oman, and was for many 
years a worthy member of the M. E. Church. William and 
Thomas Caley were mechanics, and w^orked from home whenever 
they could find employment; Thomas Caley having assisted in 
building the first court-house and jail erected in Lapeer. In 
February, 1839, WiUiam Caley died, from the effects of a wound 
from an adz with which he was at work. His funeral was attended 



by Eev. Ezra Tripp, a pioneer Baptist minister. Mrs. Mary 
Caley, wife of Matthias Caley, died on December 26, 1858, at a 
great age. Mr. and Mrs. Caley were most excellent people, and 
their two surviving sons are among our most substantial citizens. 

About the same time, Levi Lilley and Asa Griggs located on 
section 36, and Andrew Farrell and Harry Van Wagoner on section 
26. Asa (xriggs cast the first vote poUed at the first town meeting 
held in the township of Metamora — a Democratic ticket. He was 
followed by his brother-in-law Levi Lilley, w4io cast a Whig vote. 
These emigrants came from the State of New York. Levi Lilley 
died on February 1, 1855. Mrs. Mary Lilley, his wife, died on 
November 12, 1862. They left no children. Asa Griggs died on 
July 23, 1856; his widow still survives, residing at Conway, 
Livingston County, Mich. Harry Van Wagoner still resides on 
his first location. He was well known to all the early settlers as a 
well-digger, and plied a flourishing business at his trade. On one 
occasion, however, he came very near losing his life, being buried 
in a well he w^as digging on the farm of Jacob Henderson. They 
had reached the depth of eighteen feet, and the soil being loose had 
been obliged to curb it, when all at onc-e. Van Wagoner being at 
work in the well, all caved in, but the curb lodged above his head 
in such a manner that he was not crushed to death by the falling 
mass, and was enabled to breathe, and after a hard night's work 
on the part of a number of excited laborers, he was released from 
his terrible prison with no other injury than, a sprained ankle and 
a few bruises. Andrew FarreU remained in town some yearS; when 
he removed to Columbiaville, Marathon Township, where he built 
and long kept the Farrell House; he died in 1872. 

David Hodge located on section 22, and built a house 
which was occupied by a family named Salisbury, with w^hom he 
boarded, he being unmarried. This family remained in town some 
years, and in the winter of 1838- '39 Colonel Salisbury, one of the 
family, taught a school in town. We could learn nothing of their 
subsequent history. Mr. Hodge afterward married. 

Tobias Price located on section 27. Being a man of much 
energy and ability, he exerted great influence in the affairs of the 
town, of wiiich he was for years the supervisor. 

A. Bachellor located on section 12, near Thornville, land now 
occupied by Mrs. Lamb; he removed to Dryden, wiiere he died 
about 1865. 

James W. Sanborn, on section 20, now owned by J. Shook. 
He w^as a very prominent man, and represented Lapeer County in 
the legislature; remained in town about ten or twelve years, and 
removed to Port Huron, where he engaged in the lumber business. 
He held many offices of trust with honor to himself, and died 
about 1870. 

Price B. Webster located on section 29. He was elected 
school inspector and justice of the peace at the first town meeting 
held in the township, June 26, 1838. He was first postmaster of 
a postoffice established in 1840, and know^n as the Metamora post- 
office. He resided in town about twelve years, and removed to 
Illinois where he still resides. 

Levi Miller located on section 32. He removed to Shelby, 
Macomb County, Mich., where he stiU resides. 

Noah A. Porter, on section 29, now occupied by Mrs. Sage. 
He resided there for some years, when, after the death of his wife, 
he removed to Van Buren County, Mich., wiiere he died, and his 
remains were brought back and buried by his wife, in the Oakwood 
cemetery. 

Eliezer Lundy emigrated in Ihe spring of 1836 from New 
Jersey; was married December 1, 1838, to Miss Ann Van Gelder, 
by Eev. Abijah Blanchard. Died November 12, 1873; his widow 
still survives. 



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D Vy 







JESSE LEE 




MRS. JESS E LEE . 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



119 



Eeuben Underwood settled on section 7. In 1838 he removed 
to Vermont, where he and his wife died, 1836-'40. 

Jonathan Coverdale first located on section 5, which he sold 
to A. Van Gelder, in the fall of 1837. He located a second time 
on section 36, Elba. Died in California, 1851, a victim to the 
gold fever. His widow afteiward married James Gark, and 
removed to North Branch, where she still resides. 

Mr. Tower, in the winter of 1836-'37, on section 7. He was a 
justice of the peace for the town comprising the townships of 
Hadley and Metamora. Died at Fort Wayne > Ind., about 1852. 
His wife died in the winter of 1859. Their descendants are among 
our most respected citizens. One of his grandsons is Hon. H. H. 
Wheeler, of Ludington, judge of the nineteenth judicial circuit, 
captain in the late civil war, and formerly State senator from Bay 
County. 

In 1837 Freeman Fellows located on section 24. He now 
resides near Metamora village,* and is engaged in the practice of 
law. 

1838 — This year the town was settled even more rapidly than 
the previous one. Leonard Eussell, who was chosen justice of the 
peace for four years, at the first town meeting, located on section 
24, where he died some years since. 

Benjamin Perkins located on section 15, near Thorn ville. 
He afterward removed to Portsmouth, Bay County, where he died. 

Francis Boyden also settled near Thorn ville, and afterward 
removed to Attica. We could learn nothing of his subsequent 
history. 

Henry Daum, a German, located on section 13, in the fall 
of 1837; sold his farm in 1838 to Wm. Marshall, and removed to 
Ohio, where he was hung for murder, about twenty-five years ago. 
Before his execution he confessed the murder of six individuals, one 
of whom, Ulrich, also a German, was his neighbor in Metamora- 
Ulrich came soon after Daum, and located one hundred and sixty 
acres on section 12, now owned by W. E. Thorn, B. Y. Wilder, 
and J. S. Calkins. Daum and Ulrich had been neighbors in Ger- 
many, had quarreled there, and Daum had sworn revenge, but when 
Ulrich became his neighbor in his new home, the better to consum- 
mate his fell purpose, he received him with professions of friendship, 
which were warmly reciprocated. One day in the autumn of 1838 
Daum and Ulrich went hunting together. Daum returned alone, 
and explained Ulrich's absence to his family by saying that he 
must have gone to Detroit to work. Suspicion rested upon Daum 
at the first, which was increased by his conduct on his return from 
Detroit, where he went, as he pretended, to hunt up Ulrich, as he 
informed one person that Ulrich must have gone back to Germany, 
and another that he was sure that Ulrich was dead. The whole 
surrounding coimtry was scoured in search of the missing man, 
but to no purpose. Soon after the search was discontinued Daum 
removed to Ohio. A year passed and the affair had gone from the 
mind of the public, when one morning in the fall of 1839, as Messrs. 
B. Thorne and Elias Dirstine were hunting on the bank of a little 
lake, they found first the skull, which had rolled down the bank 
and lay on the water, and higher up on the bank the skeleton of the 
unfortunate Ulrich, which they recognized by marks on the gun 
and game bag, which lay beside it. A coroner's jury was sum- 
moned as quickly as possible, and on examination it was found that 
he was shot by some person behind him, as the bullet entered the 
back and passed through the breast-bone. A warrant was at once 
issued for the arrest of Daum. He was found at his new home in 
Ohio, arrested and brought back, and lodged in Lapeer jail, by M. 
Y. Turrill, sheriff of the county. The grand jury found a bill of 
indictment against him for murder in the first degree, and he was 
finally brought to trial in August, 1840, before Judge Morrell, the 



first judge who held a term of circuit court in the county of Lapeer. 
But the evidence against him was wholly circumstantial, and the 
death penalty being still exacted in the State, the jury brought in 
a verdict of not guilty, although against their own convictions of 
justice. It is said that while Daum lay in jail at Lapeer expecting 
conviction, like many another rogue in the same circumstances, he 
became violently religious, and spent his time in prayer and sing- 
ing hymns. His religion, however, speedily vanished on his ac- 
quittal, as he was unable to depart without giving the sheriff a piece 
of his mind in the shape of a volley of most terrible curses. Years 
after his death, his wife, who, after his terrible expiation for his 
numerous crimes, had become insane, and wandered from place to 
place, seeming to have no one to care for her, visited her former 
home in Michigan, where she was kindly received by seme of her 
old neighbors who recognized her. Her fate is unknown. Mrs. 
Ulrich afterward married Philip Harbor, and still resides in town, 
and the children of Ulrich are among our most respected citizens. 

Andrew and John A. Merritt emigrated from Pennsylvania in 
May, 1837, and located on sections 6 and 7. J. A. Merritt 
and wife still reside at their first location; Andrew Merritt has re- 
moved to Metamora Station; his farm is occupied by Messrs. Foot 
and King. They are enterprising and well-to-do citizens. 

Lemuel Covil emigrated from Fabius, Onondaga County, New 
York, to Lapeer, Michigan, in 1836; located on section 6, Meta- 
mora. He, with his excellent wife, to whom he was married Nov. 
20, 1818, more than forty-six years since, still resides on their 
first location. Their children seem to inherit somewhat of their 
pioneer spirit, three of them having gone to the West to carve out 
their fortunes in a new country. 

Abram Van Gelder emigrated from Castleton, New York, in 
November, 1837, and purchased land on section 5, of Jonathan 
Coverdale. He and his wife were aged and the following year, June 
25th, 1838, Mrs. Van Gelder died ; Mr. Van Gelder survived her three 
years, dying September 18, 1841. They were the parents of 
Mrs. Schuneman and Mrs. Gates, of Lapeer. 

Alanson and John Bliss located on section 26. Alanson 
Bliss died here in 1865. John Bliss removed to the northern part 
of the county, where he still resides. 

Stephen G. Lord located on section 33. He was elected 
school inspector at the first town meeting, and justice of the peace 
at the second, which office he held for many years. He was also 
postmaster of the Metamora postoffice for a long time. This post- 
office was removed into the toAvn of Oxford and known as the 
North Oxford postoffice. It is now known as Thomas postoffice. 
Squire Lord removed to Goodrich, Genesee County, about 1850, 
where he died in the fall of 1856. 

Willet Jones emigrated from the State of New York, and located 
on section 35, where he still resides. 

Ivory Bosworth on section 35. He died in 1854, at the 
age of eighty-four. His wife survived him a year, dying from the 
effects of a fall, at the age of seventy-five years. These excellent 
old people were the parents of Mrs. Asa Griggs, and Mrs. Levi 
Lilley. 

James Jenkins on section 35. He was a prominent man 
in town, and held the office of school inspector at the time of his 
death, in 1842. He died from injuries received by a faU from a 
load of hay. James Eedman located on sections 25 and 26. 
He was an old man and remained in town only about five years, 
when he sold his farm and removed to the State of New York, 
where he died. 

1838 — H. Y. Perkins located eighty acres on sections 11 and 
14, now occupied by A. and D. Thomas and J. W. Doan, and 
removed here from Soiithfield, Mich. A few years after he sold 






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120 



HISTOEY OF LA.PEEE COUNTY, 



this farm and bought on sections 11 and 12, one-half mile west 
of the village of Thornville, where he still resides. Moses Porter 
and wife, step-father and mother of Mr. Perkins, came with 
them. Mr. Porter died on May 8, 1840, aged eighty-one. He 
was a soldier of the Eevohition, and an excellent man. Mrs. 
Porter, his wife, survived him some years, dying July 12, 
1848. Four of her children are still living in this county — Mrs. 
Wilder and H. F. Perkins, of Thornville, and Mrs. Eber Barrows 
and Mrs. G. W. Pitcher, of Metamora. The children of such par- 
oiits as these may justly be proud of their ancestry. 

Harry Banker located land on section 15, where he remained 
a few years, sold out, and purchased a farm in the township of 
Lapeer, of S. B. Knapp, where he remained ten or twelve years, 
when he sold again and removed to North Branch where he cleared 
another farm. In 1872 he removed to Knox County, Tenn. 

Benjamin White, brother-in-law of H. Banker, also located on 
section 15, where he died, April 22, 1848. His widow, two years 
after, married a Mr. Carpenter and removed to North Branch where 
she died a few years ago. 

Henry Haskins located on section 15. He did not remain 
here long before he married Miss Nellie Van Gelder. 

W^ith the families of Harry Banker and Benjamin ¥/hite, came 
James Banker, wife and daughter. James Banker was a Eevolu- 
tionary soldier. In that war he served as drummer in an artillery 
regiment, known as the La Fayette Life Guards. He was a man 
of wonderful activity, frequently walking from his home to the 
postoffice, a mile and a half distant, when 104 years of age. He 
died October 5, 1848, at the great age of 105 years. Mrs. Phoebe 
Banker, his wife, survived him but six weeks, dying Nov. 7, 1848. 
But two children of this family remain — Harry Banker, of Knox 
County, Tenn., and Mrs. H. F. Perkins. 

N. B. Miller located on section 14, now owned by J. C. 
Annin and J. N. Thompbon. Mr. Miller died in 1862. 

Ephesus Isiiam, on section 11. He married a daughter of 
Mr. N. B. Miller in 1839. Died, September, 1847. 

J. A. Church, on section 11, now owned by his son, Marion 
Church, where he died, July 8, 1853. He was a man of ability 
and influence. His widow afterward married Luke Peaslee, Esq. 
and resides at Thornville. 

Samuel Dirstine located on section 18, land now occupied 
by his son, Thomas Dirstine; and the village plat of Thornville. 
He died here about 1845. 

William W^oodburn, on section 18. He removed to South- 
field, Mich., where he died. 

William Marshall bought the farm of Daum. He removed to 
Southfield, Mich., where both he and his wife died. 

William and John Steele located on section 12, where they 
kept a grocery store for some time. John Steele died about twenty- 
five years ago, and soon after his brother William mysteriously dis- 
appeared, and has never been seen or heard of since. There have 
been many conjectures as to his fate, but as yet it remains a mys- 
etry unsolved. 

H. Wildemot settled near Thornville, in 1838. He removed to 
Detroit in 1845. 

Eev. Abijah Blanchard located on section 6. He was a Pres- 
byterian minister and founded a Presbyterian church at Farmers 
Creek, of which he was pastor two years, but dissensions arising in 
the church, he resigned his pastorate and returned East in 1840. 

Samuel Eedmond located on section G; was elected justice of 
the peace at the first town meeting for a term of three years. He 
died in the summer of 1841, and was buried somewhere on his 
farm. 

Ellery A. Brownell emigrated from the State of New York in 



1838, and bought land of J. W. Sanborn on section 20. He re- 
moved to the town of Hadley in 1874. 

In 1838 or 1839 John Merritt, Jr., located on section 7. The 
first house on this farm was destroyed by fire in 1842, and the 
second shared the same fate in 1862. Mrs. Merritt died in the 
summer of 1865, aged eighty-five years. Mr. Merritt died the fol- 
lowing year, aged ninety-one years. 

In 1838 or 1839 I. C. Smith bought land of Eeuben Under- 
wood, and for sometime worked at the blacksmiths' trade at Farm- 
ers Creek. 

James W. Pitcher located on section 9, where he and his wife 
lived to a good old age. 

Berzail Shippey located on section 21 and afterward put up a 
hotel. In the spring of 1858, Mr. Alvin Porter lost his barns and 
hay stacks by fire under circumstances which proved the hand of 
an incendiary. Suspicion fastened on Shippey, as he and Porter had 
been long at variance, and Shippey had declared that he would be 
revenged, fle was arrested, tried and found guilty of arson, and 
sentenced to two years in the penitentiary. After serving his time , 
he, with his family, removed to Kansas. 

About this same time a family named Stone settled on section 
29. This family consisted of the parents and eight children. Six 
of the family died within two years ; the mother and four children 
of fever, and one son was drowned in Loon Lake in April, 1840. 
The father and surviving children then left the place. 

J. S. Comstock located at Farmers Creek in 1839 as a phy- 
sician, and has resided in the neighborhood ever since. He was 
married to Miss Elizabeth C. Morse, daughter of J. B. Morse, Sep- 
tember 16, 1840. Mrs. Comstock died May 16, 1875, aged fifty-six 
years. 

EAKLY MOVEMENTS. 

In 1839 four school districts were organized, only one of which 
was entirely within the town limits. Fractional District No. 1, 
Hadley, Metamora, Lapeer and Elba, organized May 6, 1839, 
Fractional District No. 2, Oxford and Metamora, May 26, 1839, 
by J. W. Sanborn and S. S. Lord, inspectors of Metamora, and E. 
Burdick and Eobert McKay, of Oxford. Fractional District No. 9, 
Dryden and Metamora, June 24, 1839, J. W. Sanborn and S. 
S. Lord, inspectors of Metamora, Elijah Look and J. M. Lamb, of 
Dryden. District No. 6, known ever since as the Webster Dis- 
trict, August 31, 1839, by Price, Lord and Sanborn, inspectors. 
It is thought that the first school taught in these districts, was 
taught by Miss M. C. Morse, in Fractional District No. 1, in 
the summer of 1839. The first school in the town was a private 
school, taught by H. M. Look, at the house of J. B. Morse, in the 
winter of 1837-'38. 

The first highway district in town was formed May 17, 1839. 

The only grist-mill in town was built by B. Thorne, on the 
Flint Eiver, at Thornville, about 1840. It is now owned by J. 
Morton. 

The first saw-miU was built on section 24 on Wolf Creek, 
sometime between 1845 and 1850. The dam was built and frame 
put up by a man named Horsnell, who then ran away. The work 
was then completed by Walker & Earle, who ran it for some time. 

The first hotel was built by Eber Barrows, at Metamora, in 
1848, known as the Northern Exchange. 

The first stump speech delivered in the town was made by 
Hon. N. H. Hart, in the canvass of 1810, from a stump still stand- 
ing in the grounds of Mr. Ackerman, between the house and barn. 

In April, 1840, a sad event occurred in the southwestern 
part of the town. A party of boys and young men were returning 
from church one Sunday, and as they were passing a little lake on 
their way home, three of them, Leonard Brownell, Simon Stone 






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HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



121 



and Peter Price, got into a boat for a pleasure ride. When fairly 
out upon the water they began scuffling and rocking the boat, and 
capsized it. Stone and Price attempted to swim to shore, but the 
water was so cold they were soon benumbed and sank. Brownell 
escaped by chnging to the boat until assistance could reach him. The 
bodies were recovered, and at the funeral which was held at the 
Webster school-house, and attended by the Kev. Robert McKay, a 
large crowd collected. They were buried in a small grave-yard laid 
out near the school-house; when this was abandoned some years 
after, their remains were removed to the Hadley cemetery. The 
lake is situated on the .farm of EUery A. Brownell, and known as 
Loon Lake, and it is said that there has never been a boat on the 
lake since and although the lake abounds in fish, it is very seldom 
that any one visits it even for the purpose of fishing. 

About 18e50 or 1851, a singular circumstance happened at Earle 
& Walker's mill. One of the employes had been suffering from 
fever and ague, and had been told by some knowing one that if he 
would swallow the gall of a rattlesnake he v/ould be thoroughly 
cured, and beheving the prescription to be genuine, he sought a 
rattlesnake, killed it, and actually swallowed the gall. He survived 
four days, dying in the greatest of agony, with ah the symptoms of 
most virulent poison. 

It will be seen by this sketch, the pioneers of this township 
were for the most part people of sterhng worth. Most of them 
have passed from earth, but the fruits of their labor remain. Honor 
then, to the early pioneers, and especially to the pioneer women, 
who so nobly stayed the hands of their husbands in the herculean 
task of subduing a new country, remote from market and far 
removed from all the comforts and refinements of civilized life. 

EARLY RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 

The first religious society formed in town, so far as known, 
was the First Presbyterian Church, of Farmers Creek, by Rev. 
Abijah Blanchard, who was its pastor from 1838 to 1840. Un- 
fortunately, the members of this church could not agree among 
themselves, consequently the church went down, and a Congrega- 
tional Church was formed upon its ruins by Revs. Messrs. Taylor 
and Ruggles. Previous to 1847 this church was supplied by Revs. 
Messrs. Mattoon, McDoweU and Bates. Li 1847 Rev. D. L. Eaton 
became its pastor, and while he remained the church flourished 
greatly, but after his departure it dechned, although the church 
maintained occasional services till within the past few years. 

A Baptist Church was organized at a very early day in the 
eastern part of the town, and supphed for a time previous to 1840 
by Rev. Ezra Tripp. They erected a church at Thornville, but this 
organization long ago became extinct. In 1840 Rev. Mr. Osborne, 
of Lapeer, formed a Christian Church at the Webster school-house, 
which was supphed for a long time by himself. Rev. Mr. Cannon, 
of Washington, and Rev. Mr. Mclntyre, who preached to this 
church but a week previous to his death. This church at last be- 
came extinct. In 1857 a Protestant Methodist Church was formed, 
which sustained preaching for several years, and shared the fate of 
its predecessor. 

An M. E. Class was formed at Metamora, many years since, 
and this appointment has been at different times a part of Dryden, 
Hunters Creek and Hadley circuits. It now again belongs to Dry- 
den Circuit, and in 1874 this church erected a neat and commodious 
building. A Methodist Church was formed here about ten years 
ago by Rev. Mr. Clark. We have not been able to learn the date 
of the organization of these churches or who was the first pastor of 
the M. E. Church. 

A Methodist Church was formed in Fractional District No. 
2, in 1860, by Rev. Mr. Angell, pastor of the church at Lapeer. 
It has sustained occasional preaching ever since. 



Rev. Robert McKay, a licentiate of the Presbyterian Church, 
who located in Oxford, was the first preacher in this part of the 
town, but never organized any religious society. 

The church erected by the Baptists at Thornville, after the 
death of that society, became a Free Church, and is occupied by 
any minister of any denomination who may choose to have an ap- 
pointment there. Thornville seems not to be a good place for a 
religious society to flourish. Since the Baptist Church quarreled 
itself out of existence, services have been held there from time to 
time by ministers of the Methodist Episcopal, Christian and Con- 
gregational Churches, but there has been no strong or stable 
organization. 

The Methodist Church formed in Fractional District No. 2, 
still exists, and is known as the Thomas Methodist Church. 



VILLAGE OF METAMORA. 

After the opening of the road from Lapeer to Rochester via 
Pontiac, now known as the Territorial Road, and the establishment 
of a stage line between these points, various hotels sprang up along 
the route, and as at that time any one who could raise f 18 license 
tax, and could afford two spare beds and stabling for two teams 
could obtain a license to keep "a house of entertainment for man 
and beast," it is not surprising that there were more than enough 
ready to enter upon the business. 

About the year 1841, a log tavern was built by a man named 
Phihips, on what is now H. Rossman's farm. He soon sold it to a 
Frenchman named Marintete, who built a blacksmith shop across 
the street, and managed by plying both occupations to live as he 
desired. This rude hotel was burned, and it was said the only loss 
the proprietor mourned was that of his whisky. He removed to 
Sanilac County, where he died a few years since. 

In 1843 Mr. Eber Barrows came and took up land on section 
16, and built a log shanty, where he furnished entertainment for 
travelers. This was the nucleus of the old " Northern Exchange.'' 
After a time a postoffice was established here, known as the Etna 
Postofiice. In course of time, as Metamora and the hotel became 
widely known, and well patronized, and in proportion as its popu- 
larity increased, so its accommodations were extended. Here 
parties of young people used to meet and "trip the light fantastic 
toe" till the "wee sma' hours of morning came," and after a time it 
became a center for the town business, but for years there was but 
little done here but what was connected with the hotel and 
postoffice. 

About the time Mr. Barrows established himself here, a man 
named Loucks settled on section 16, and Mr. Fricke, father of the 
Fricke Bros., located on the opposite side of the street, at present the 
residence of the late Alvin Porter. Mr. Loucks built a tannery, 
which he managed for some time, then sold his farm to Alvin . 
Porter and the tannery to Mr. Fricke, who ran it for some years, 
then sold it to Page & Brooks. Page enlisted in the late civil war, 
and died in the army, and the business was left in the hands of 
Brooks, but in a short time the establishment was burned, supposed 
to be the work of an incendiary. It was never rebuilt. 

About the year 1847 Berzail Shippey built a large house on 
land now a part of the farm of William Henderson, and opened a 
hotel with a grand flourish. This building was just north of the 
present site of the D. & B. C. R. R. bridge. But Shippey, after a 
few years, fell into bad habits and disagreements with his neigh- 
bors, that culminated at last after the destruction of Alvin Porter's 
house by fire, in his arrest and conviction of arson, followed by a 
sentence for a term of years to Jackson State Prison. After his 
term expired, he removed with his family to one of the northern 






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122 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



towns of the county, and after a time he emigrated to the far West. 
The hotel he built passed through several hands, was dismantled 
and removed to the farm of D. Stocker, wiiere it now does service as 
a barn. 

Some little time before the war, two shanty taverns were put 
up on the farms of Freeman Fellows and Alvin Porter, and chris- 
tened respectively *' Pike's Peak" and "Idaho." These were after- 
ward cleaned out by irrepressible Young America, and soon after 
collapsed. 

The first store building at Metamora Village was built in 1850, 
and the establishment ma-naged by D. Ammerman, first as agent, 
then as proprietor. He carried on an extensive business for a time, 
but sold it out to H. Griswold, now of Bay City, who kept it for 
some time, then sold it to Goodrich & Perkins, who ran it about a 
year, then sold it to S. D. Hoard, who afterward enlarged the build- 
icg and fitted it up for a hotel. This was probably the third store 
building in the township; the first was built by the Steele Bros, at 
Thornville, near the Dryden line, about 1839 or '40; the second was 
estabhshed by Weston Frost in awing of the hotel built by Mr. Morse, 
on the Hadley line, about 1842 or '43. Mr. Fro|t conducted it for 
some years, when it passed with the hotel into the hands of C. H. 
Browne. 

About the time the store building was put up, Messrs. Varnum 
& Swain opened a blacksmith shop on the corner now occupied by 
Stone's brick block. Swain did not remain here long. Varnum 
built a stone shop on the site of the old one, and this he kept for 
many years, until his removal to Lapeer, where he is now the head 
of the firm of Varnum & Walker. 

In 1861 Mr. Barrows sold the Northern Exchange to B. P. 
Ackerman, who kept it till about the year 1875, when he sold it to 
Eichard Morse and removed to Oxfoid. It has never been occupied 
as a hotel since Ackerman left it, as the building of the D. & B. C. 
E. E. diverted all the custom from the old stand to the one built by 
Hoard on the corner. Since the building of the railroad great im- 
provements have been made. Two churches and a fine school-house 
have been built. The old stone blacksmith shop on the corner has 
been removed for a brick block of stores. Other store and shop 
buildings and many dwelling-houses have been added. 

Miss Hattie Ackerman, daughter of B. P. Ackerman, who kept 
the Northern Exchange from 1861 to '75, went to Chattanooga, 
Tenn., about 1869, where she engaged in teaching. She was a 
woman of much resolution and courage, and when the yellow fever 
epidemic broke out in that city in August, 1878, instead of return- 
ing to her friends at the North, she remained to nurse the sick, and 
died at her post of duty September 30, 1878. 

The postmasters since Mr. Hoard have been Henry Townsend 
and John Barden. The latter 'is the present incumbent, and also 
agent of the express company. 

J. 0. Perkins has been proprietor of the hotel since 1880. 
The only brick building in the village was built by Dr. D. F. 
Stone in 1879. 

Drs. D. F. & George Sfcone and Eichard Mors have the finest 
residences in the village. 

The lawyers in the village are George C. and Freeman Fellows. 
The latter is the oldest lawyer in the town, having been in practice 
since 1837. 

The early physician in the village was a Dr. Sharp, who re- 
mained about a year. In 1867 Dr. D. F. Stone located here, and 
was joined a few years later by his brother. Dr. George Stone. 
They are the only physicians in the place, and are among the most 
prominent physicians in this part of Michigan. 

The principal of the schools, which are graded, is E. A. Mc- 
Gonnell. 



In 1880 the M. E. Society at Metamora with that at South 
Attica was taken from the Dryden circuit, and a new circuit formed 
called Metamora circuit. Eev. S. Bird was the first pastor. L. B. 
Moon is the present pastor. 

In March, 1878, just about a year after the Congregational 
Church at Farmers Creek had disbanded, and after an extensive 
revival in the M. E. Church conducted by Eev. A. E. Hazen, then 
its pastor, the Pilgrim Congregational Church was organized by 
Eevs. Messrs. Breede and Brown. The same year this society 
built a church which was dedicated during the fall or winter of 
1878-'79. Eev. M. A. Bullock was its pastor till January, 1883. 
His successor is the Eev. H. S. Jenkinson. 

THE METAMOKA BEE. 

In April, 1883, Mr. Charles A. Fricke, son of John F. Fricke, 
one of the pioneers of Metamora, started a printing office in the 
village of Metamora and issued the first number of the Metamora 
Bee April 5. The }3ee is a seven column foho, and thus far its 
patronage has been satisfactory. 

Chakles a. Feicke was born in Oakland County in 1839. He 

spent three years at school in Eochester, then went to Detroit and 

graduated from the Commercial CoUege. In 1865 he engaged in 

mercantile business in Metamora, which he continued five years, 

since which time he has been handling agricultural implements 

quite extensively. He started in April, 1883, the first newspaper 

in Metamora. In 1870 he married Miss Nettie A. Stevenson and 

has two children. 

metamoea libeaey society. 

The Metamora Union Library Society was organized at the 
school-house in District No. 4, April 18, 1874. Officers: Presi- 
dent, G. W. Stone; vice-president, Ella V. Thomas; secretary, 
Mollie L. Homerdien; hbrarian, Mrs. J. Harp; treasurer, Helen 
M. Tow^nsend. The library is still maintained at the village. 

KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES. ' 

Bassett Tent No. 79, Knights of the Maccabees, was organized 
at Metamora village in February, 1883, with twenty-four members. 
Officers: P. K. C, John Campbell; Sir K. C, Charles A. Fricke; 
Sir K. Lt. C, H. D. Haines; record keeper, John Barden; finance 
keeper, Amos Predmore. 

The village is charmingly situated in the midst of a rich 
agricultural region and draws the trade of a large area of country. 
Its geographical location on the railroad makes it the distributing 
point of several townships. 

TOWN OFFICEBS. 

1838 — Supervisor, Andrew Farrell; clerk, Jonathan Silsbury; 
collector, Wilham C. Tower. 

1839 — Supervisor, Andrew Farrell; clerk, Noah A. Porter; 
treasurer, Tobias Price. 

1840 — Supervisor, Andrew Farrell; clerk, Tobias Price ; treas- 
urer, James W. Sanborn. 

1841 — Supervisor, Tobias Price; clerk, James W. Sanborn; 
treasurer, Henry F. Perkins. 

1842 —Supervisor, James W. Sanborn; clerk, James P. 
Pitcher; treasurer, Tobias Price. 

1843 — Supervisor, James W. Sanborn; clerk, James P. 
Pitcher; treasurer, Tobias Price. Fifty-nine votes polled. 

1844 — Supervisor, Stephen S. Lord; clerk, James P. Pitcher; 
treasurer, Tobias Price. Seventy-six votes polled. 

1845 — Supervisor, James W. Sanborn; clerk, James P. 
Pitcher; treasurer, Tobias Price. Ninety-four votes polled. 

1846 — Supervisor, Lewis C. Townsend; clerk, James P. 
Pitcher; treasurer, Tobias Price. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY 



123 



1847— Supervisor, Gustavus A. Griffen; clerk, James P. 
Pitcher; treasurer, Harry F. Perkins. 

1848— Supervisor, Gustavus A. Griffen; clerk, James P. 
■ Pitcher ; treasurer, Moses G. Porter. 

1849— Supervisor, Tobias Price; clerk, James P. Pitcher; 
treasurer, Joseph A. Church. 

1850— Supervisor, Tobias Price; clerk, Orville M. Lord; treas- 
urer, William E. Lambertson. 

1851 — Supervisor, Tobias Price; clerk, Orville M. Lord; treas- 
urer, William R. Lambertson. 

1852— Supervisor, Tobias Price; clerk, E. P. Barrows; treas- 
urer, William R. Lambertson. 

.1853— Supervisor, Tobias Price; clerk, E. P. Barrows; treas- 
urer, William R. Lambertson. 

1854 — Supervisor, Tobias Price; clerk, A. B. Coryell; treas- 
urer, William R. Lambertson. 

1855— Supervisor, Simon Mathews; clerk, A. B. Coryell; treas- 
urer, Henry Town send. 

1856 — Supervisor, Tobias Price; cle-rk, George Price; treas- 
urer, Henry Townsend. 

1857— Supervisor, Henry Groff; clerk, Egbert C. Goodrich; 
treasurer, Henry Townsend. 

1858 — Supervisor, Norman B. Blood; clerk, E. P. Barrows; 
treasurer, Addison Griggs. 

1859 — Supervisor, Norman B. Blood; clerk, E. P. Barrows; 
treasurer, Addison Griggs. 

I860 — Supervisor, Norman B. Blood; clerk, John Hamler; 
treasurer, Addison Griggs. 

1861 —Supervisor, H. C. Babcock; clerk, R. C. Plass; treas- 
urer. Addison Griggs. 

1862 — Supervisor, Tobias Price; clerk, R. C. Plass; treasurer, 
Carlos Hill. 

1863 - Supervisor, Abraham Hunt; clerk, Henry Townsend; 
treasurer, Carlos Hill. 

1864 — Supervisor, Abraham Hunt; clerk, Henry Townsend; 
treasurer, A. S. Cowan. 

1865 — Supervisor, Wilham N. Varnum; clerk, B. P. Acker- 
man; treasurer, M. B. Pitcher. 

1866 — Supervisor, E. A. Brownell; clerk, Philo Isham; treas- 
urer, 0. P. Morse. 

1867 — Supervisor, Abraham Hunt; clerk, E. Barrows; treas- 
urer, 0. P. Morse. 

1868 — Supervisor, Abraham Hunt; clerk, E. P. Barrows; 
treasurer, 0. P. Morse. 

1869— Supervisor, Isaiah C. Smith; clerk, Henry L. Baker; 
treasurer, Harvey Butler. 

1870 — Supervisor, Abraham Hunt; clerk, Henry L. Baker; 
treasurer, Justin H. Butler. 

1871 — Supervisor, Abraham Hunt; clerk, Henry L. Baker; 
treasurer, Henry Townsend. 

1872 — Supervisor, Abraham Hunt; clerk, Henry L. Baker; 
treasurer, Henry Tow^nsend. 

1873 — Supervisor, Abraham Hunt; clerk, Henry L. Baker; 
treasurer, Henry Townsend. 

1874 — Supervisor, E. P. Barrows; clerk, Henry L. Baker; 
treasurer, Henry Townsend. 

1875 — Supervisor, E. P. Barrows; clerk, Henry L. Baker; 
treasurer, Henry Townsend. 

1876 — Supervisor, E. P. Barrows; clerk, Henry L. Baker; 
treasurer, Henry Townsend. 

1877 — Supervisor, E. P. Barrows; clerk, Henry L. Baker; 
treasurer, Frederick Price. 



1878 — Supervisor, E. P. Barrows; clerk, Henry L. Baker; 
treasurer, Frederick Price. 

1879— Supervisor, Clark Townsend; clerk, Henry L. Baker; 
treasurer, Mark N. Kelley. 

1880 — Supervisor, William Park; clerk, Heman Kelley; 
treasurer, John Barden. 

1881 — Supervisor, William Park; clerk, Heman Kelley; 
treasurer, John Barden. 

1882— Supervisor, William Park; clerk, John Barden; treas- 
urer, Heman Kelley. 

1883— Supervisor, Mark N. Kelley; clerk, Rufus E. Wilder; 
treasurer, George C. Morse. 

STATISTICAL. 

In 1840 the population of Metamoia was 351. 

Census of 1874: Population, 1,314; acres of taxable land, 
21,428; of improved land, 13,418; number of sheep, 5,284; of 
horses, 600; of milch cows, 590. Products of preceding year, 
26,978 pounds of wool; 63,322 pounds of pork marketed; 290 
pounds of cheese, and 59,030 of butter made; 34,075 bushels of 
wheat raised; 24,923 of corn; 38,723 of other grain; 14,668 of 
apples; 404 of pears; seventy-six of plums; 785 of cherries, 4,140 
pounds of grapes; 991 bushels of melons and garden vegetables; 
10,559 bushels of potatoes, and 1,484 tons of hay; 437 barrels of 
cider were made, and 8,373 pounds of fruit dried for market. 

In 1880 the town had a population of 1,384. 

Aggregate value of real and personal property, as equalized by 
the board of supervisors in 1882, was |810,000. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of the town of 
Metamora for the year 1882, shows the number of school children 
to have been 430, number of school buildings, six. The inspectors 
for the ensuing year were: E. F. Conner, George C. Moore, 
Thomas Mitchell, Jerome C. Walton, M. Johnson, Thomas 
Dirstine. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

David F. Stone, M. D., was born in St. Lawrence County, N. 
Y., in 1843, and in 1864 began the study of medicine at Toronto, 
Ontario. In 1867 he came to Metamora and after practicing two 
years returned to Canada, and was graduated at the Toronto 
University in 1870. He then came back to Metamora where he has 
since enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice. During 1874 he 
visited London and Paris, continuing his studies to the end of the 
year, his brother, Dr. George Stone, taking charge of his practice 
until his return, with whom he has since been associated, both in his 
practice and the drug business. In 1877 he married Miss Eliza- 
beth Griswold, of Bay City. 

W. Wilder, of the firm of Wilder Bros., general merchants, 
was born in Prince Edward County, Ontario, in 1857, and in 1878 
came to Michigan and for a short time engaged in carriage manu- 
facturing in Detroit. He then came to Metamora, and continued 
•the same business until 1880, when he engaged in farming which 
he continued tiU 1882, when he formed a partnership with his 
brother for the purpose of carrying on a general mercantile busi- 
ness. He was married in 1879 to Miss Virginia Price, of Meta- 
mora. 

R. E. Wilder, of the above named firm, w^as born in Prince 
Edward County, Ontario, in 1853, and in 1872 engaged as a sales- 
man in Detroit, where he remained until 1882. He then came to 
Metamora and opened a general store in connection with his 
brother. 

B. F. Wilder, farmer on section 12, was born in Ontario 
County, N. Y., in 1824, remaining there until 1835 when he came 



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124 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



to Michigan and settled in Wayne County. He remained there ten 
years when he removed to Bloomfield, Oakland County, thence to 
White Lake, where he resided seven or eight years, then came to 
Metamora and took up wild land on section 12, where he now 
resides. He was married in 1858 to Miss Maria Shippey, of the 
township of Oxford, Oakland County, and has four children. 

Tobias Peice, deceased, was prominently identified wdth the 
early settlement of Lapeer County. He was born in Monroe 
County, N, Y., in 1804, and came to Macomb County in 1828, 
where he took up eighty acres of land from the government one 
half mile east from the present village of Romeo. He returned to 
Monroe County, N. Y., in 1829, and was there married to Miss 
Emma Fellows, of Mendon, and again came to Michigan with his 
wife and settled in Shelby, Macomb County, where he resided till 
1837. In that year he came to Metamora and took up 320 acres 
of land, which he improved and resided upon, until his death in 
1879. Mr. Price held many of the township offices including that of 
supervisor, for many years. He hai three daughters of whom two 
are now living — now Mrs. Govan and Mrs. Fellows — who reside 
on the homestead which is one of the finest farms in the county. 
Julia M. Price the eldest daughter, married J. Orren Govan, of 
Metamora, in 1857, and Ervilla Price married David Fellows, of 
Metamora, in 1873. The first, second, and third town meetings 
were held in Mr. Price's house, the first sheep brought to Meta- 
mora were purchased by Mrs. Price in Troy, Oakland County, from 
the sale of socks and mittens, knit by her from wool which she 
brought from her old home, as filling in comfortables. 

William Sage, farmer on section 28, was born in Brant County, 
Ontario, in 1816, and in 1822 came to Michigan with his parents, 
locating in Oakland County, where he remained until 1829. He 
then returned to Canada and in 1832 removed to Monroe County, 
Ohio, residing there one year when he again made Oakland County 
his home until 1835. In that year he went to St. Joseph County 
and a year later returned to Oakland County. In 1842 he came to 
Metamora and settled on wild land on section 29, which he im- 
proved, and in 1857 removed to section 28, where he now resides. 
He was married in 1840 to Miss Lorinda Gillet, of Eochester, and 
has two sons and seven daughters. 

Orvil Sage, fanner on sections 29, 31 and 32, was born in Mon- 
roe County, Ohio, in 1844, remaining there until 1849, when he 
came to Michigan with his parents and settled on the farm where 
he now resides. He enlisted in 1865 in the Eleventh Michigan 
Cavalry. In 1866 was married to Miss Mary Fellows, of Metamora, 
and has two sons. 

Edwin Sage, farmer on section 29, w^as born in Monroe County, 
Ohio, in 1834, remaining there until 1850, when he came with his 
parents to Michigan and-settled on section 32 in Metamora, where 
he remained until 1856. He then removed to Hadley and purchased 
a farm on section 13, where he resided till 1865, when he came to 
Metamora and located on the farm where he now resides. He was 
married in 1856 to Miss Francis Cady, of Hadley, and has one 
daughter. 

Samuel Erles, deceased, was born in New York in 1820 and 
about 1830 came to Michigan with his parents and settled near 
Pontiac. In 1841 he came to Metamora and settled on wild land 
on section 33, where he remained until his death, in 1871, with 
the exception of three years he spent in Pontiac engaged in the 
marble business. He married Miss Esther Hible, of Pontiac, by 
whom he had two sons and two daughters. Edward, the youngest 
son, remains at home and carries on the farm. 

. James H. Lee, son of Jesse Lee, w^lio was one of the pioneers of 
Lapeer County, was bora in the township of Metamora in 1835, 
and w^hen twenty-one years of age purchased a farm adjoining the 



homestead where he now resides. His farm contains 105 acres 
and he has become known as one of the most successful wheat 
growers in the county, his crops of that grain aggregating 19,000 
bushels in the past thirteen years, the principal part of which he has 
drawn to Pontiac. He was married in 1863 to Miss Mary Riches, of 
Thornville, and has two sons and two daughters. 

Adam Wine^ak, deceased, was born near Albany, N. Y., in 1806, 
and at an early day came to Michigan. He worked at the wagon - 
makers' trade in Avon, Oa.kland County, until 1850, when he came 
to Metamora and settled on section 20, where he engaged in farming 
and resided until his death in 1881. He was married in 1843 to 
Miss Lucinda Ruby, of Macomb County, by whom he had two chil- 
dren, who are now living. Henry resides on the homestead with 
his mother and sister. Mr. Winegar held the office of justice of 
the peace twenty -five years. 

D. Stocker was born in Ontario County, N. Y., in 1822, and 
moved to Niagara County with his parents, where they resided until 
1828. They then Avent to Canada and settled in Holton County, 
Ontario, remaining there till 1843, when he came to Metamora and 
settled on section 21, where he now resides. He was married in 
1839 to Miss L. A. Varnum, of Holton Comity, Ontario, and has 
^ye sons and six daughters living. Willard, the eldest, married 
Miss Tena Lee, of Almont, and is living near Metamora. William 
N., the second son, married Miss Sarah Dunkel, of Clinton, where 
he now resides. John B., the third son, married Miss Rosa Palmer, 
of Metamora, and is now^ living in Hadley. Z. D. and G. W. still 
remain on the homestead. The eldest daughter, Ropena, married 
R. Stimpson, of Metamora, and now resides in Genesee. Julia 
married Geo. W. Simpson, of Isabella County, where they now re- 
side. Martha married James Palmer, of Metamora, where she 
resides. The Misses Hester, Lotta and Vira are unmarried and 
remain on the homestead. 

William Park was born in Scotland in 1830 and came to America 
with his parents in 1836. They settled in New York, where they 
remained until 1842, when he came to Michigan with an uncle and 
located in Lapeer County, where he took up 200 acres of wild land. 
After a residence there of five years he engaged in railroad con- 
tracting in Ohio, Illinois, and other States until 1862, when he 
returned to his farm where he now resides. He was married in 1835 
to Miss Ellen P. Shanks, of Missouri, and has ten children living. 
Was one of the contractors on the Missouri & Pacific Railroad. 
He was elected supervisor for three terms in Metamora. His farm 
now consists of 314 acres located on sections 13, 23, and 24. 

Hiram Rossman, farmer on section 21, was b:rniii Macomb 
County in 1833, went to Oakland County at an early age with his 
parents and remained tiU 1857. He then came to Metamora and 
on the farm where he now resides. In 1859 he was married to Miss 
Sarah N. Porter, of Oakland County, and has two sons and three 
daughters. Carrie, the eldest, married George Morse and now 
resides in Metamora. 

John Marsden, dealer in grain, salt, lime, etc., was born in 
Yorkshire, England, in 1841, and came to America with his parents 
in 1842. They settled in the State of Wisconsin, where he re- 
mained tiU 1862, when he enlisted in the Twenty-fifth Wisconsin 
Infantry, serving until the close of the war. He then returned to 
his old home and attended school one year when he engaged in 
mercantile business in Platteville, Wis., where he remained until 
1867. The next four years he spent in Kansas and then came to 
Metamora and purchased the Kelley grain elevator, where he 
handles grain, salt, lime, etc. He was married in 1870 to Miss J. 
M. Smith, of Franklin County, Kansas. 

Clarence E. Brown was born in Columbus, Wis., in 1860, and 
in 1861 came to Saginaw with his parents and when nine years of 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEK COUNTY. 



125 



age went with them to FHiit. From there they went to Kipp's 
Corners, near Goodrich, where his father died, and afterward went 
to Canada where he engaged in the manufacture of cheese, whicli 
he continued for five years. He then returned to Fhnt and engaged 
as a salesman with Wetherell & Bro. with wiiom he continued two 
years, and the next three years was with F. H. & E. Pierce. He 
then came to Metamora and purchased a stock of goods of L. D. 
Campbell and is doing an extensive business. He married Miss 
Jessie Campbell, of Flint, and has one son. 

Mark N. Kelley was born in Troy, Oakland County, in 1831, 
and came to Lapeer County in 1844. He attended the district 
school at Hadley, and when twenty-one years of age went to 
Louisville, Ky., where he remained six months, and then returned 
to Lapeer County and engaged in farming on the homestead. In 
1868 he formed a partnership with Eobert Hutton for the purpose 
of carrying on a general mercantile business, from which he re- 
tired in 1870. He then came to Metamora and built a large grain 
elevator, engaging in the grain trade until 1881, when he sold his 
business to John Marsden. He was married in 1875 to Miss Mary 
Henderson and has four children, three daughters and one son. 
Mr. Kelley was elected supervisor in 1883. He still owns the old 
homestead on section 1 in Hadley. 

0. C. Thompson was born in St. Clair County, Mich., in 1846, 
and afterward moved to Detroit with his parents, where he attended 
school until sixteen years of age. He then went to Oberlin, Ohio, 
where he attended school for a time, and in 1862 joined the 
Christian commission at Alexandria, remaining there two years, 
when he enlisted in the army and served to the close of the war. 
He then engaged in farming in Wayne County, which he continued 
till 1875, when he removed to Spring Lake, Ottawa County, and 
engaged with A. Bilz of that place in the hardware trade, where he 
remained two years. He next went to Davisburg, Oakland County, 
where he engaged in tbe same business, which he continued till 
1879, when he came to Metamora, where he is also engaged in the 
hardware trade. He was married in 1868 to Miss Annie Scongall, 
of Oakland County, and has two children — one son and" one 
daughter. Mr. Thompson is a son of the Eev. 0. C. Thompson, 
of Detroit, one of the pioneers who came to the State while it was 
a Territory, and at so early a day that there were no roads west of 
Jackson. 

John A. Haep was born near Albany, N. Y., in 1830, and in 
1860 went to St. Louis, and the following year came to Lapeer 
County and engaged in wagon making, which he continued till 
1869. He then went to Murfreesboro, Tenn., where he resided 
until 1881, when he came to Metamora and formed a partnership 
with J. H. Lewis, and they are now engaged in the manufacture of 
wagons and carriages, doing general blacksmithnig and dealing in 
agricultural implements. Mr. Harp w^as married in 1868 to Miss 
Harriet A. Price, of Metamora, and has one child. 

William Henderson was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in 
1819, in the town of Henderson, which was named after his grand- 
father, who was one of the pioneers of that county. He remained 
there until 1836, when he went to Canada with his parents, who 
settled on wild land, remaining there till 1839, when they went to 
Monroe County, N. Y. They remained there until 1844, engaged 
principally in farming, when they came to Michigan and took up 
school and government land in Lapeer County, township of 
Metamora, where he -now resides. Few men know more or the 
hardships of pioneer hfe than Mr. Henderson, having passed 
through all its different phases. He was married in 1842 to Miss 
Phoebe E. Manger, of Monroe County, and has one daughter— Mrs. 
Alvah Townsend, who resides on the homestead. Mr. and Mrs. 
Henderson's first experience in housekeeping in their forest home 



was precipitated by the unexpected arrival of Mrs. H. while the log 
house was in that progressive state representing four solid walls 
without windows, doors or roof. The first night they had to cHmb 
over the walls to reach the inner compartment, and for a roof put 
some boards over one corner. 

H. C. Babcock was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1830, 
and in 1834 moved from there to Kome, Oneida County, and after- 
ward to Oswego, where he remained until 1841. He then made 
Kochester his home until 1843, when he returned to Oswego, resid- 
ing there till 1848. Li 1851 he came to Michigan and settled in 
Macomb County, and in 1853 came to Metamora and located on 
section 18, where he now resides. He has held the office of super- 
visor and other minor offices. Li 1854 he married Miss Rosetta C. 
Morse, of Metamora, and has four children. 

Claek Townsend was born in the township of Bruce, Macomb 
County, in 1843, remaining there until 1861, when he came to 
Metamora and settled on section 8, where he now resides. He has 
just completed one of the finest farm-houses in the county; has 
held the office of supervisor. In 1866 he was married to Miss J. 
Blair, daughter of John Blair, of the township of Lapeer. 

I. C. Smith was born in Mercer County, Pa., July 8, 1815, 
remaining there until 1834, when he went to Trumbull County, 
town of Kinsman, Ohio, and engaged in an edge tool manufactory 
as an apprentice, where he remained until 1837. He then returned 
to Mercer County and worked at blacksmithing for a year and a 
half, and in 1838 came to Metamora. Li 1840 he went to Canada 
and spent the winter, returning to Metamora and settled on section 
7, where he now resides. He was married in 1844 to Miss 
Lucinda Wadsworth, of Lapeer County, who died in 1882, by whom 
he has a son and daughter. In 1869 he was elected supervisor, 
and has held the office of justice of the peace eight years. In 1870 
he took a tiip through the Southera and Western States as far 
West as Leavenworth, Kansas, remaining about three months. In 
August, 1882, he made a trip to the Lake Superior copper region, 
and the fall following made a trip with his son to Dakota, also 
visiting Nebraska and other Western States. 

EichakdMors, the subject of this sketch, was born in Saratoga 
County, N. Y., in 1816, and in 1832 moved with his parents to Buffalo 
where he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several 
years. In 1843 he came to Metamora and took up 120 acres of wild 
land, which he improved and increased by subsequent purchases to 
about 400 acres. In 1877 he came to the village of Metamora, 
where he now resides, the homestead being occupied by two of his 
sons. He was married in 1843 to JVIiss J. Cooley, of Wyoming 
County, N. Y., and has five children — four sons and one daughter. 

George C. Morse, attorney at law, is the eldest son of Eichard 
Mors, and was born in the township of Metamora in 1847. He 
remained there until 1869, when he commenced his studies in 
Olivet College, from which he graduated in 1876. He then went to 
Detroit and read law with Trowbridge and Dowling, afterward \\ith 
George E. Halhday, remaining with the latter until 1878. He then 
went to Lansing, where he was admitted to the bar, and then 
returned to Detroit and formed a partnership with J. Bassett, the 
title of the firm being Bassett & Morse, which was continued until 
1879, wheji he came to Metamora, where he has since resided. He 
was married in 1882 to Miss Carrie B. Eossman. In 1880 was 
elected justice of the peace, also holds the office of township treasurer 
and school inspector. 

H. F. Perkins was born in Genesee County, N. Y., in 1810, 
and at three years of age moved with his parents to Ontario County, 
where he resided until 1837. He then came to Lapeer County, 
taking up land from the government on section 12 in Metamora, 
where he now resides. Of his early residence in the township, Mr. 



•inc 



Ajj 



'y^ 



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i-26 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEK COUNTY, 



Perkins can recite many interesting pioneer experiences, few more 
interestingly than he. He often had to go to Birmingham, Oakland 
Co., on foot for plow points. He has served the township as 
treasurer, highway commissioner and in other minor offices. In 
1834 he was married to Miss Mary Ann Pomroy, of Bristol, Ontario 
County, N. Y., who died in 1835, leaving one child; was again 
married to Miss Paulina Banker, of Metamora, hy whom he has 
five children. 

Mason Portee, son of the late Alvin Porter, was born in 
Shelby, Macomb County, in 1839, and in 1843 came to Lapeer 
County with his parents, and settled in the townsliip of Metamora. 
In 1859 he purchased 130 acres on section 16, where he has since 
resided, and which he has materially improved and added to 
until he owns 210 acres. He was married in 1859 to Miss E. J. 
Price, of Metamora, and has two daughters. The eldest married 
Sidney Copeland, of Oxford, Oakland County, where they now 
reside. 

A. A. Pitcher, son of M. D. Pitcher, one of the pioneers of 
Lapeer County, was born where he now resides, on section 33, in 
1846. His farm contains 143 acres of land. In 1877 he was mar- 
ried to Miss Alice V. Simmons, of Oxford, Oakland County, and 
has two sons. 

Albert Porter, farmer on section 21, was born in Niagara 
County, N. Y., in 1830, remaining there until 1834, when he came 
to Michigan with his parents, who settled in Macomb County on 
wild land. They remained there for several years, then removed to 
Shelby, same county, where they resided until 1843, when they 
came to Metamora, and settled on the farm, where he now resides. 
In 1855 he went to Saginaw County, and located on 83 acres of 
government land, where he lived till 1871. In 1862 he enlisted in 
Company .D, Twenty-Third Michigan Infantry, and served two 
years, when he received his discharge. In 1871 he returned to 
Metamora, and settled on section 27, where he remained until 1882 
when he again took up his residence on the old homestead. He 
was married in 1853 to Miss Ann M. Allen, of Genesee County, and 
has two sons and two daughters. 

Alvin Porter, deceased, was born in the town of Eush, Monroe 
County, N. Y., in 1807, and in 1816 moved to Genesee County, 
where he remained tw^o years, then went to the town of Stafford, 
Monroe County, where he resided until 1824. He then removed to 
Niagara County, and in 1834 came to Michigan, and settled in 
Macomb County, taking up land from the government, residing there 
until 1813; in that year he came to Metamora, where he resided until 
his death in 1882. While in New York, he was married to Miss 
Samantha Goff, who died soon after coming to Michigan. He was 
again married to Miss Mary Ann Ruby, of Macomb County. 

Nathaniel Reed was born in Oakland County in 1841, remain- 
ing there until 1871 engaged in farming. He ihen came to 
Metamora and settled on sections 21 and 28, where he now resides. 
He was married in 1872 to Miss Rudema Porter, daughter of the 
late Alvin Porter. They have two sons. 

F. P. Lawrence was born in the township of Addison, Oakland 
• County, in 1842, remaining there until 1876, when he moved to 
Oxford, making that his place of residence until 1882. He then 
came to Metamora, and located on section 26, where he now resides. 
He was married in 1870 to Miss Phoebe D. Porter, daughter of the 
late Alvin Porter. They have one son and one daughter. 

A. S. Cowan, farmer on section 25, was born in Oneida 
County, N. Y., in 1836, and when six months of age came with his 
parents to Michigan. They settled near Troy Corners, Oakland 
County, where they remained ten years, when they removed to 
Bloomfield, where he remained until 1858, thence to Shiawassee 
County, and from there came to Metamora in 1860. He settled on 



section 19, remaining until 1863, when he removed to his present 
place on section 25. He was married in 1860 to Miss Adelaide . 
Porter, daaghter of the late Alvin Porter, and has four sons. He 
has held the offices of township treasurer and commissioner of high- 
ways. 

Sylvester Gark, farmer on section 26, was born in Jefferson 
Comity, N. Y., in 1828, and when three years of age moved with 
his parents to Canada. He remained there until 1855, when he 
came to Michigan and settled in the township of Elba, Lapeer 
County, removing in 1857 to North Branch and a year later came 
to Metamora. Two years thereafter he returned to North Branch 
where he resided until 1862 when he again came to Metamora and 
located on sections 21 and 22, removing in 1868 to section 26 where 
he now resides. He was married in 1856 to Miss Mary Ann 
Thomas, of Metamora, and has two sons and one daughter. 

E. IsHAM, deceased, was born in Batavia, New York, in 1804, 
remaining there until 1835 when he came to Michigan. After re- 
siding tw^o years in Macomb County he came to Metamora and took 
up land from the government on section 11, where he remained 
until his death in 1847. He was married in 1840 to Miss Julia 
Miller, of Metamora, by whom he had two sons and one daughter. 
Philo, the eldest son, was born in 1842, and in 1877 married Miss 
Mary Watkins, of Lapeer County. He now resides on the home- 
stead and has held the office of township clerk. J. H., the second 
son, was born in 1843 and in 1880 married Miss Erva White, of 
Metamora. Jane, the 'daughter, married George Barber. 

S. D. Groover w^as born in Sussex County, N. J., in 1821, re- 
maining there until 1861, when he came to Michigan and settled in 
Oakland County. He resided there until 1881, wdien he removed to 
the township of Hadley and in 1883 cameto Metamora and located 
on section 14, where now resides. He was married in 1842 to Miss 
Harriet F. Sutton, of New Jersey, and has eight children. 

Robert Dudley was born in Oakland County in 1829, where 
he remained until twenty-one years of age, when, he removed to Ad- 
dison and resided there until 1845. He then came to the township 
of Dryden and 1857 to Metamora, locating on section 14 where he 
remained till 1865, when he removed to section 15 where he now 
resides. He was married in 1852 to Miss Maria Thomas, of Met- 
amora, and has three sons and one daughter. 

Alba Thomas was born in Ontario County, N. Y., in 1804, and 
at four years of age removed with his parents to Monroe County. 
He remained there until 1844, when he came to Michigan and set- 
tled in Metamora on section 12, removing two years thereafter to 
section 14 where he now resides. He was married in 1827 to Miss 
Selinda Harding, of Genesee County, N. Y., by whom 'he has one 
son and two daughters. David M., the son, was born in 1836 and 
in 1867 was married to Miss Harriet Buxton, of Lincolnshire, Eng- 
land; Anna married C. R. Chapman, who now resides in the town- 
ship of Metamora ; Maria married Robert Dudley, also of Metamora. 

Eli Lunday, deceased, was born in New Jersey in 1811, re- 
maining there until 1837, when he came to Michigan and settled on 
section 8 in the township of Metamora, where he resided until his 
death in 1873. He was married in 1838 to Miss Ann Van Gelder, 
of New York. Of their children three sons are living: A. V. G., 
the eldest, was born in Metamora in 1838 and now resides in the 
village. He was married in 1868 to Miss Adeline Carpenter, of 
Almont, by whom he has two children. Samuel, the second son, 
was born in 1840, remaining in Metamora until the present (1883) 
year, when he moved to Dakota. He was married in 1862 to Miss 
Mary McGregor, of Metamora, who died in 1865 ; was again mar- 
ried to Miss Melinda Bullock, of Elba. Franklin, the youngest, 
was born 1842, remained in Metamora until 1868, when he moved 
to the township of Lapeer where he now resides. He was married 



^ 




Alvin Porter, 
Deceased . 



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(§ iw 



A 



HlfeTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



127 



in 1871 to Miss Edna Hall, of Metamora, who died in 1881; was 
again married to Miss Stella Loomis, of Dryden. 

James 0. Perkins, proprietor of the Hoard House, Metamora, 
was born in the township in 1843. He was proprietor of the Far- 
rell House in Oolumbiaville from 1868 to 1870, when he returned 
to- Metamora and engaged in farming until 1874, when he took 
charge of the Hoard House one year. In 1875 he went to Almont 
and engaged in farming until 1879, when he became proprietor of the 
Harrington House, remaining in charge two years. He then came 
to Metamora and took charge of the Hoard House where he has 
since remained. In 1866 he was married to Miss Caroline Thomas, 
of Metamora, who died in 1871 leaving three children. He was 
again married in 1872 to Miss L. Hoard, of Metamora, by whom he 
has one daughter. 

James L, More, son of the late James More, was born in the 
township of Metamora in 1856. He has since been a resident of 
the township, his principal occupation being farming; his farm is 
located on sectid!i 12. He was married in 1876 to Miss Rosa B. 
Farrar, of Genesee County, and has one child. 

C. J. Smith was born in the township of Addison, Oakland 
County, in 1842. In 1878 he purchased 180 acres of land in that 
township on section 7. He afterward purchased 100 acres in 
Albee, Saginaw County, and soon thereafter 160 acres in Addison, 
upon which he remained one year, when he came to Metamora and 
settled on forty acres on section 25 where he now resides. He was 
married in 1867 to Miss Caroline McKenley, of Dryden, and has 
four children. 

Mrs. L. Price, daughter of James Scott, deceased, was born in 
Oxford, Canada, in 1811, where she remained until 1818, when she 
came with her parents to Michigan. They settled in what 
is now Utica, Macomb County, and came on a scow on the River 
Thames from London to Lake St. Clair, where they were frozen in, 
having to remain until teams could cross the lake. They took up 
land from the government — being the first settlers in Utica — which 
they improved and which Mr. Scott resided upon until his death in 
1853. She was married in 1830 to George Price, of Monroe 
County, N. Y., and remained in Macomb County until 1854, when 
she and her husband came to Metamora and settled on section 22 
where he died in 1872, leaving four children. Mrs. Price still re- 
' sides on the homestead. 

Nelson Cady, deceased, was born in Chatham, N. Y., in 1799, 
remaining there until 1836, when he came to Lapeer County and 
settled in Hadley on section 13. He remained there until 1858, 
when he came to Metamora and remained until 1862, when he re- 
moved to Oakwood, Oakland County, and a year thereafter to Flint 
where he died in 1863. Mr. Cady held the office of justice of the 
peace for several years. 

Andrew Johnson, farmer on section 35, was born in Cayuga 
County, N. Y., in 1820, remaining there until 1844, when he came 
to Michigan. He engaged in farming summers and teaching school 
winters until 1848, when he settled on the old Jenkins homestead, 
where he now resides. He was married in 1848 to Miss Sophia J. 
Jenkins, and has three children. Mr. Johnson has been school 
inspector for years, beside holding other minor offices. 

Prescott Varnum, deceased, was born in Middlesex County, 
Mass., in 1796, removing from there to Genesee County in 1816, 
thence to Canada, where he remained until 1848. He then came 
to Michigan and took up new land in Metamora on section 36, 
where he resided until his death. He was married in 1820 to Miss 
Elizabeth Clemmons, of Genesee County, l!^. Y., by whom he had 
six children. Elvira was born in Canada in 1835 and came to 
Michigan with her parents, still residing on the old homestead. 

F. Price, farmer on section 22, was born in Macomb County 



in 1833, where he remained until 1854, when he came to Meta- 
mora with his parents who settled on the farm where he now 
resides. He was married in 1856 to Miss Sarah E. Thomas, of 
Metamora, and has one son and one daughter. Virginia E., the 
daughter, married J. W. Wilder, of the firm of Wilder Bros., 
Metamora. 

Thomas Stevenson, farmer on section 22, was born in Scotland 
in 1819, and emif]:rated to America in 1838. He settled first in 
Macomb County, where he remained until 1866, when he came to 
Metamora and located on the farm where he now resides. In 1841 
he married Miss x4.gnes Grant, a native of Scotland, who died in 
1849, leaving four children. Was again married to Miss Annie 
Howard, of Ma(K)mb County. 

John A. Williams is a native of Canada, and was born in 1831. 
He remained there until 1857, when he came to Michigan and 
settled in Macomb County, residing there until 1862. He then 
removed to Marlette, where he remained till 1881, when he came to 
Marathon and settled on section 26, where he now resides. He has 
been twice married, first in 1856, and second in 1882 to Miss 
Samantha Porter, daughter of Albert Porter. His first wife died in 
1881, leaving a family of eight children. 

David Lamont, farmer on section 12, was born in Scotland in 
1828, and in 1857 came to Michigan. He at first located in the 
township of Almont, Lapeer County, and after a few months' resi- 
dence there removed to Macomb County, two years thereafter to 
Oakland County, and a year later returned to Macomb County. He 
resided there until 1867, when he came to Metamora and settled on 
section 12, where he now resides. In 1859 he married Miss Janet 
Morton, of Almont, and has three sons and four daughters. 

Thomas Palmer was born in Kent County, England, in 1813, 
and in 1821 moved with his parents to Surrey, where he remained 
until 1844, when he came to Michigan and located in St. Clair 
County. He resided there until 1864, when he came to Metamora 
and settled on section 26, where he now resides. His first pur- 
chase of land was eighty acres, to which he has since added until he 
is now the owner of 330 acres. He married Miss Phoebe Wells, of 
England, and has three sons and three daughters. 

James E. Palmer, son of Thomas Palmer, was born in the 
township of Almont in 1849. Resided in St. Clair County with his 
parents till 1864, when he came to Metamora with them and 
settled on section 26. He was married in 1876 to Miss Martha 
Stocker, daughter of D. Stocker, removing to section 32, where they 
now reside. 

C. R. Chapman, farmer on section 11, was bom in England in 
1818, and in 1834 came to New York, where he remained two 
years. He then came to Michigan and settled in the township of 
Almont, when after a few months' residence he removed to Romeo, 
Macomb County, residing there until 1848. He then removed to 
Dryden, remaining there till 1853, when he came to Metamora and 
settled on section 11, where he now resides. He was married in 
1842 to Miss Eleanor Woodbeck, of Macomb County, who died the 
following year. In 1849 he was again married to Miss Anna D. 
Thomas, of Metamora, and has one son and three daughters. He 
has held the office of commissioner of highways several terms and 
was a constable in Dryden. 

Jacob S. Henderson was born in Washington County, N. Y., 
in 1800, remaining there until six years of age, when he moved 
with his parents to Jefferson County, town of Rutland, afterward 
removing to the town of Henderson, where he remained until 1818. 
He then went to the town of Lime, remaining there until 1837, 
when he went to Canada, where he remained two years. His next 
move was to Monroe County, N. Y., remaining until 1844, when he 
came to Metamora, taking up wild land on section 15, where he 



IV 



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128 



HISTOKY OF LAPEEK COUNTY. 



"71 



now resides. He was married in 1818 to Miss T. Case, of Jefferson 
County, N. Y., who died in 1876, leaving five sons and five daugh- 
ters, all of whom are still living. 

E. P. Bakkows was born in Livingston County, N. Y., in 1827, 
and in 1835 came to Michigan, locating in Oakland County, where 
he remained until 1842, when he came to what is now Metamora 
village. He settled on section 8, remaining there until 1865, and 
in 1867 removed to section 17, where he now resides. He was 
elected supervisor in 1874, holding the office five years; has also 
been town clerk many years, beside having held other minor offices. 
In 1854 he married Miss Ervilla Griggs, of Metamora, by whom he 
has one daughter. 

Edward Groff, farmer on section 15, was Ijorn in Oneida 
County, N. Y., in 1838, and while young moved with his parents to 
Ontario County, where they remained imtil 1843, when they came 
to Michigan and settled on section 2 in Metamora, taking up land 
from the government. ' They resided there till 1847, removing then 
to Livingston County, where they remained till 1853, when they 
returned to Metamora and located on section 11. He remained 
there until 1859, when he returned to Livingston County, and in 
1865 came back to Metamora and located on section 22. In 1872 
he removed to section 11, and in 1876 to section 15, where he now 
resides. He was married in 1859 to Miss Marcia M. Henderson, 
of Metamora, and has two children. 

John A. Merritt, deceased, was born in Monroe County, Pa., 
in 1811, remaining there till 1836, when he came to Michigan and 
settled in the township of Hadley, Lapeer County, where he resided 
two years. He then came to Metamora and made a settlement on 
sections 6 and 7, taking up land from the government, upon which 
he resided until his death in 1881. He was married in 1833 to 
Miss E. Khngingsmith, of Monroe County, Pa., by whom he had 
one son and one daughter. A. B. Merritt, the son, was born on the 
homestead, wheie he now resides. In 1864 he enlisted in the 
Thirtieth Michigan, and served to the close of the war. He was 
married in 1856 to Miss Dorcas Thomas, who died in 1869, and by 
whom he had three children. He was again married in 1872 to 
Miss E. Darling, of Oakland County, by whom he has three 
children. Miss C. Merritt, daughter of John A., married Leander 
Lee, son of Jesse Lee, and is now living in Saginaw. 

James Jenkins, deceased, was born in Columbia County, N. Y., 
in 1799, and about 1820 moved to Buffalo, where he worked at the 
carpenter's trade until 1831. He then moved on a farm in Erie 
County, remaining there till 1838, when he came to Michigan and 
settled ni Metamora, taking up 200 acres of land from the govern- 
ment on section 35, where he resided until his death in 1841. He 
was married in 1822 to Miss Polly Dale, of Cayuga County, N. Y., 
by whom he had two children who are now living. Sophia, now 
Mrs. Johnson, resides on the homestead, and Lester E. resides 

in Iowa. 

William Clark was born in England in 1816, and came to 
Michigan with his parents, locating at Hunters Creek, where he re- 
sided until 1840. He then took up new land in the township of 
Elba, on section 24, where he now resides. He was married in 
1840, to Miss Irene Perry, of Genesee County, and has one son and 
one daughter. 

B. W. Clark, son of William Clark, was born in the township 
of Elba, in 1841, remaining there until 1865, when he moved to 
the township of Lapeer. He resided there until 1867, when he re- 
turned, to Elba and settled on section 25, where he remained until 
1873, then went to Hunters Creek, remaining till 1876; he then 
came to Metamora, where he now resides, but intends removing 
to Lapeer City the coming fall. In 1867 married Miss N. Grow, 
of Canada. 



A. C. Browne was born in the township of Metamora in 1849. 
In 1869 he went to Wayne County, N. Y., and attended school 
there one year, when he returned and engaged in teaching school 
winters and farming summers, which he continued until 1873. He 
then went to Lapeer and engaged in the grocery business, remain- 
ing there one year, when he returned to Metamora and located on 
section 6, where he now resides. In 1876 he married Miss Esther 
M. O'Brien, and has one son. 

Andrew Mair was born in Scotland in 1823, and in 1845 came 
to America and located in Lapeer County. About 1850 he came to 
Metamora and took up wild land on section 3, where he now re- 
sides. He was married in 1855 to Miss Marian Stephens, of Scot- 
land, and has four children. 

James French was born in Scotland in 1818, remaining 
there until 1844, when he came to Lapeer County and settled in 
Metamora, on section 4, taking up wild land, which he has improved 
and upon which he has since resided. He was married to Miss 
Jane Stephens, of Scotland, in 1843, and lias five sons and five 
daughters. 

Alexander Stephens, farmer, on section 4, was born in Scot- 
land in 1833, and came to Michigan with his parents in 1843, and 
settled in Metamora on the farm where he now resides. He was 
married in 1861, to Miss Cornelia Schuneman, of the township of 
Lapeer, and has two sons. 

Charles F. Morse was born in Madison County, N. Y., in 1825, 
and in 1835 came to Michigan with his parents and settled in La- 
peer County, where he remained until 1855. He then removed to 
Genesee County, remaining till 1869, when he went to Illinois and 
located in La Salle County, making that his home until 1873. He 
then removed to Kalamazoo County, Mich., where he resided till 
1880, when he came back to Metamora and has since resided on 
the old homestead. In 1855 he was married to Miss Anna Lang- 
land, of Pontiac, and- has three sons and one daughter. 

James McGregor was born in Scotland in 1816, where he re- 
mained until 1841, when he came to Michigan and settled in Ma- 
comb County. He remained there till 1846, when he came to La- 
peer County and located in the township of Metamora, on section 3, 
where he now resides. He was married in 1834, to Miss A. Mc- 
Gregor, of Scotland, and has two sons hving. 

A. B. Coryell, farmer on section 28, was born in Seneca 
County, N. Y., in 1821, and in 1823 moved to Steuben County 
with his parents, where they remained until 1827, when they re- 
moved to Livingston County. In 1844 he came to Michigan, and 
in 1848 settled in Metamora, taking up wild land on section 28. 
He was married in 1847, to Miss C. Hammer, of Oakland County, 
and has two sons and two daughters. 

Orrin Lee, deceased, was born in New York, in 1829, and came 
to Michigan with his paj'ents in 1832, locating in Metamora, where 
he remained until 1852, when he settled on sections 33 and 34, tak- 
ing up 161 acres of land which he improved and resided upon until 
his death, in 1870. He was married in 1850 to Miss Amanda M. 
Deming, of Oakland County, by whom he had two sons and one 
daughter, Alice, who married Morris Stanton, of Detroit, the sons 
remaining on the homestead. 

Oliver Moses was bom in Livingston County, N. Y., in 1842, 
and came to Michigan with his parents in 1846. They settled in 
the township of Hadley on section 24, taking up wild land, upon 
which they resided until 1857, when they came to Metamora and 
settled on section 19, where he now resides. He was married in 
1863, to Miss L. Sage, of Metamora, and has four children. 

W. L. Bayley was born in Clinton County, N. Y., in 1813, re- 
maining there until 1833, when he went to Ohio, thence, in 1837 to 
Indiana, and from there came to Metamora, in 1857, and located on 



^ 






HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



129 



section 21, removing four years thereafter to section 17, where he 
now resides. He was married, in 1836, to Miss SeHnda Hoard, of 
Yates County, N. Y., by whom he had six children. Mrs. Bayley 
died in 1860, and in 1862 he was again married to Mrs. Anna 
West, of Canada. 

LoREN Tainter, deceased, was born in Connecticut in 1799, re- 
maining there a short time when he moved to Jefferson County, 
making that his home until 1834. He afterward resided in Livings- 
ton County two years, when he came to Lapeer County and settled 
in Dryden, on sections 3 and 4, taking up land from the govern- 
ment, upon which he resided till 1856. He then went to Missouri, 
where he remained until the beginning of the war, when he removed 
to Minnesota, residing there until his death, in 1863. He was mar- 
ried in 1821, to Miss Euth C. Graves, of Watertown, N. Y., by 
whom he had eight children. Mrs. Tainfcer died in 1834, and the 
following year he was again married to Miss Mary Forbes, of Lester, 
N. Y., by whom he had eight children. 

Benjamin D. Tainter was born in Watertown, N. Y., in 1822, 
remaining there until 1834, when he moved to Livingston County 
with his parents. In 1836 he came to Michigan with his parents 
and settled in the township of Dryden, where he remained until 
1852, when he came to Metamora and settled on new land on sec- 
tion 1, where he now resides. He was married in 1849, to Miss 
Nancy Hillard, of Connecticut, and has five children. 

Mrs. Julia Ann Peaslee was born in Connecticut in 1814, and 
in 1818 moved to New York with her parents, where she remained 
until 1833. She then returned to Connecticut, remaining there 
until 1837, when she came to Michigan and located in Lapeer 
County, stopping the first year and a half in Almont. She then 
came to Metamora, and settled upon section 12, where she resided 
until 1870, when she removed to Thornville, where she now resides. 
In 1839 she married J. A. Church, of Connecticut, by whom she 
had four children. He died in 1854, and in 1856 she was again 
married to Luke Peaslee, of Canada. 

L. H. Eead, farmer on section 4, was born in Sussex County, 
N. J., in 1810, remaining there until 1837, when he came to Michi- 
gan and settled in Macomb County, where he remained until 1860. 
He then came to Metamora and settled on section 4, where he now 
resides. In 1840 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Perry, of Oak- 
land County, and has one son and three daughters. , 

Thomas Dirstine was born in Pennsylvania in 1826, and at four 
years of age moved with his parents to Genesee County, N. Y., 
where they resided until 1840, when they came to Lapeer County. 
They took up land from the government on sections 12 and 13, 
upon which he still resides. He was married in 1851 to Miss L. J. 
Barrows, of Metamora, who died in 1863, leaving one child. Was 
again married in 1866 to Mrs. M. M. Colson, by whom he has two 
children. 

"Samuel Dirstine, deceased, was born in Montgomery County, 
Pa., in 1789, remaining there until 1830, when he moved to Gen- 
esee County, N. Y. He remained there until 1840, when he came 
to Lapeer County and settled in the township of Metamora, taking 
up land from the government, upon which he resided until his death 
in 1845. He was married to Miss Ann Horning, of Montgomery 
County, Pa., by whom he had ten children. 

Hiram Travis was born in New York in 1803; moved at an 
early age to Wayne County, Pa., where he resided until 1836, when 
he came to Michigan and settled in Oxford, Oakland County, where 
he took up land from the government. He was married in 1825 to 
Miss Lodency E. Jacks, by whom he had eleven children. 

Austin Travis, son of Hiram Travis, was born in Wayne 
County, Pa., in 1827, remaining there until 1836, when he came to 
Michigan with his parents. In 1851 he came to Metamora and 



settled on section 9, where he now resides. He took up new land, 
on which he cleared a place for a house, and within six days from 
the time he cut the first tree, had erected a house and was living in 
it. He was married in 1851 to Miss C. Lombertson, who died in 
1863, leaving three children. Was again married to Mrs. E, J. 
Whidden, of Dryden, by whom he has three children. He has 
held the office of commissioner of highways for three years. 

George W. Pitcher, farmer on section 9, was born in Catta- 
raugus County, N. Y., in 1818, and in 1825 moved to Niagara 
County with his parents, and to Genesee County in 1833. He 
came to Michigan in 1837 and settled in Oakland County, where he 
remained until 1839, when he came to Metamora and settled on 
his present home, taking up wild land. In 1841 he was married to 
Miss Sophronia E. Porter, who died in 1881, leaving two sons and 
three daughters. As a township officer, he has served as commis- 
sioner of highways and constable. His first residence in the town- 
ship was known as "Pitcher's shanty" from Lapeer to Detroit. 

John Read, farmer on section 3, was born in Scotland in 1812, 
where he remained until 1842, when he came to Michigan and 
located in Macomb County. He resided there until 1849, when he 
came to Metamora and settled on section 3, taking up wild land, 
where he has since resided. In 1842 he was married to Miss 
Stephenson, of Scotland, and has six sons and one daughter. 

David Hodge, farmer on section 25, was born in Jefferson 
County, N. Y., in 1810, remaining there until 1845, when he came 
to Michigan. In 1853 he returned to Jefferson County, and the 
following year came to Lapeer County, and finally settled in Meta- 
mora on section 25, taking up new land which he improved, and 
where he now resides. He married Miss Hannah Carpenter, of 
Jefferson County, N. Y., and has four sons and four daughters. 

E. L. Conner was born in Joliet, 111., m 1843, where he re- 
mained until 1861, when he enlisted in the Twentieth Illinois and 
served two years, participating in the battles of Fredericktown, 
Britton's Lane, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Big Black River and 
Vicksburg, He had three brothers in his company, one of whom 
was killed at Atlanta, and another died soon after his discharge. 
After leaving the army he came to Michigan, and was in Macomb 
County for a year, when he came to Metamora and located on sec- 
tion 22, where he now resides. He was married in 1867 tio Miss 
Harriet Price, and has one son and two daughters. 



EARLY HISTORY OF FARMERS CREEK. 

This place is located on the fine between Metamora and 
Hadley and occupies territory of both townships. Its glory has 
departed, and it is chiefly important now as a historic point. The 
following sketch of its early history is made from the recollections 
of Mr. John Look and Mrs. E. C. Comstock : 

In the fall of 1833 J. B. Morse, then residing at Lapeer, located 
land upon section 6, in what is now the township of Metamora, and 
the following spring made a clearing and erected and enclosed a 
frame for a dwelling. Early in May, 1834, Mr. John Look, who 
had just arrived with his family from western New York, moved 
into this skeleton of a house, and lived there alone, Mrs. Look not 
seeing the face of a white woman for several weeks after their ar- 
rival till the first of July following, when Messrs. Morse and H. M. 
Look moved here, the three families occupying one house till the 
Messrs. Look could put up houses of their own. 

These families were closely connected by ties of kindred and 
marriage. Mr. H. M. Look and Mrs. Morse were brother and 
sister, John Look their cousin, and the Looks had married sisters : 
John Look, Ann Hopkins, and H. M. Look, Charlotte, daughters 
of Solomon Hopkins, long a resident of Flint, Mich. This was 



V 



l!^ 



J^l 



dn^ 



130 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



about the time of the Black Hawk war, and they were not without 
apprehensions of Indian troubles, and Mrs. Morse was the only 
woman of them w^ho was not afraid of Indians. These families 
lived here alone for a year, shut in on all sides by a wilderness, the 
nearest settlement being at Lapeer, and the wolves were all around 
them, and so bold that they would come around the houses at 
night. It was very evident the savages watched their movements 
wdth a jealous eye, and were sometimes very insolent. One day, 
while the three families were living together, the men of course 
being all from home, a large masculine looking squaw came to the 
house and demanded provisions. She was promptly refused by 
Mrs. Morse, when she had recourse to threats, telling them if they 
did not yield to her demands they would be murdered that night, 
at the same time brandishing her knife. These threats failed to 
produce the desired effect, and she finally left; but her words and 
manner greatly terrified the younger members of the household, 
and created some excitement among the older ones. The gun w^as 
quickly loaded, and everything collected that could serve as a 
weapon cf defense, a great fire built in the huge old-fashioned fire- 
place, and several large kettles of water hung on the crane, with a 
view of giving the savages a warm reception should they make an 
attack upon them; but just before nightfall the hearts of all were 
gladdened by the return of the husbands and fathers, and no In- 
dians were of course to be seen that night. 

The next year, 1835, other emigrants came. The following is 
a list of the settlers in the vicinity from the first settlement of the 
place up to 1840: 

J. B. Morse located in the fall of 1833 on section 6, Metamora. 
Removed here July 11, 1834. Died here April 24, 1854. 

H. M. Look, on section 1, Hadley, reached here July 11, 1834. 
Removed many years since to Rochester, Mich., where he still 
resides. 

John Look, on section 1, Hadley, reached here May 18, 1834. 
Removed in 1877 to Lowell, Mich. 

Ira Griggs and Almon Griggs, on section 1, Hadley, October 
14, 1835. Ira Griggs died here November 16, 1859. Almon 
Griggs removed to Howell, Livingston County, Mich., where he 
died in 1882. 

Reuben Underw^ood in 1835 located first on section 36, Elba; 
afterward on section 7, Metamora. Removed to Vermont, where 
he died about 1840. 

About this time Messrs. Hart, Tunison and Campbell located 
on the site of Hadley village. 

Jonathan Coverdale, February, 1836, first located on section 
7, Metamora; afterward on section 36, Elba, the land first taken 
by R. Underwood. Died in California, 1851. 

Andrew Merritt, fall of 1836, on section 8, Metamora. Still 
living; resides at Metamora village. 

Augustus Davison, winter of 1836-'37, on section 35, Elba. 
Died here in 1863. 

Nehemiah Tower, winter of 1836- '37, on section 7, Metamora. 
Died at Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1852. 

Matthew Caley, 1837, section 5, Metamora. Died here Decem- 
ber 26, 1858. 

Nelson Cady, 1837, section 12, Hadley. Died August 2, 1868, 
at Flint, Mich. 

Lemuel Covil, 1837, section 6, Metamora. Died October, 1877. 

WiUiam Halpin, 1837, section 30, Lapeer. Died here August, 

1862. 

Eliezer Lundy, 1837, section 5, Metamora. Died here Septem- 
ber, 1873. 

Samuel Perkins, 1837, section 8, Metamora. Died at Lapeer 
about 1865. 



Abram Van Gelder, 1837, purchased of Coverdale his location 
on section 5, Metamora, and died here September 18, 1841. 

John A. Merritt, 1838, section 7, Metamora. Died at Lapeer, 
December, 1881. 

Alpheus Cady, 1838, section 12, Hadley. Died January 1, 
1864. 

John B. Cady, 1838, section 12, Hadley. Died September 29, 
1846. 

Samuel Redmond, 1838, section 6, Metamora. Died in 1842 
or '43; buried on his farm. 

Rev. Abijah Blanchard, 1838, section 6, Metamora. Returned 
to the East in 1840. Died in Wyoming County, N. Y., about 1865. 

I. C. Smith, 1838, purchased of R. Underwood on section 7, 
Metamora. 

Dr. J. S. Comstock, May, 1839. Still resides here. 

John Merritt, Sr., 1840, section 7, Metamora. Died February 
2, 1866, aged ninety-one years. 

Zadoc Bates, 1840, section 31, Lapeer, where he still resides. 

The first death in the place was that of an infant son of J. B. 
Morse in December, 1835. The second, an infant son of Ira 
Griggs. The first m-arriage was Mr. Reuben Underwood to Miss 
Lucia A. Morse, January 1, 1837, by Rev. Mr. Ruggles, who walked 
from Pontiac to perform the ceremony. 

In these days the young people attended evening entertain- 
ments in their own carriages, heavy lumber wagons drawn by oxen. 
Maple sugar parties and quiltings were in vogue, and at the latter 
pumpkin pies and cookies w^ere the usual evening refreshments, often 
served from huge platters, the nimble fingers of the guests being 
fork and plate; and often those who were so unfortunate as to fall 
under the ban of public displeasure were treated to Callitliumpian 
serenades. These were served out impartially to all those who had 
offended, no respect being paid to age or station, the reverend 
clergy and the outcast from society being alike saluted. 

These too were the days of wild cat money, when every hamlet 
had its bank and every other man was a bank official, and everybody 
w^as immensely rich — in paper — and of the inevitable crash that 
followed these w^ild speculations leaving the country poorer than be- 
fore. 

Farmers Creek was a place of some note in an early day. 
About the time of the founding of the Michigan University, and 
when it was proposed to establish preparatory schools for that insti- 
tution at convenient points chroughout the State, an effort was 
made to induce the State to found such a school at Farmers Creek. 
So an academy was started with James R. Taylor, a man of liberal 
education, as principal, in 1837-'38. A building put up by Mr. 
Morse for a shop, but afterward used as church and hall, was oc- 
cupied as the academy building. This school was for a time quite 
a flourishing institution, and pupils gathered from all the settled 
towns of the county, Lapeer, Dryden and Almont. Among these 
were Miss Ann Rood, now Mrs. Cephas G. Woodbury of Lapeer 
Township, and Miss Phila A. Hart, afterwards Mrs. J. M. Wattles, 
of Lapeer City, Messrs. Jjueius Kendrickand Farnham, of Dryden, 
and many others now prominent in society. But this did not last 
long. Some of the people thought it putting on too much style for 
a backwoods hamlet, and the academy, failing to get the aid ex- 
pected from the State, soon died a natural death. 

About this time the school district here was formed, known as 
Fractional No. 1, Hadley and Metamora, and the log school-house built 
as described in the history of the town of Hadley; but before this 
was finished and after the collapse of the academy, three terms 
were taught for the district in the shop, church, hall academy building, 
by Miss Marcia C. Morse, Mr. Adams Gibson, and Miss Laura E. 
Redmond, daughter of Samuel Redmond. Miss Redmond afterward 



^p 




^c6j2yt4AtO (/3-i>x.J^t^c/^ « 



Ll£L 



HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



131 



married Daniel Wheeler, youngest son of Timothy Wheeler, and died 
about two years after, leaving an infant son, Mr. Wheeler was 
almost crazed with grief and survived his wife but a few months. 
Their son survived the father a few^ years, w^hen he was laid by the 
side of his parents in the cemetery. 

John C. Clark and his brother Hezekiah, were musical nota- 
bilities of that day. J. C. Clark trained the singers here, holding 
singing school in this same historical old building. 

In the winter of 1842 a Mr. Loomis attempted to teach a term 
of school in the log school-house, but the large boys w^ere so nu- 
merous and turbulent that he w^as glad to leave. Then an old feud, 
growing, we beheve, out of some church trials of a few years before, 
broke out afresh, and the result was a general disorganizing, and 
the organization of the Fractional District No. 1, of Hadley, Meta- 
mora, Lapeer and Elba, which has ever since been knowai as the 
Farmers Creek School. 

Among the men of note here, long since gone to their reward, 
were Ira Griggs, Timothy Wheeler and J. B. Morse. Mr. Griggs 
was a very strong man physically, extremely witty and somewhat 
eccentric. He had a large family of children, most of whom have 
gone the way of all the earth. Mr. Dennis Griggs, who married 
Adeline, daughter of Timothy Wheeler, resides on the Wheeler 
homestead. His sister, Miss Abbie M. Griggs, resides at Damon, 
Ogemaw^ County, Mich., the rest of th6 family are dead or living in 
distant parts of the country. 

Neliemiah Tower w^as the chief justice of the peace in these 
early times, and w^as a man of considerable native talent and of 
excellent judgment. He had several sons and two daughters. J. 
N. Tower, his sole surviving son, resides in Marathon, Lapeer 
County. M. T. Tower married Harriet, daughter of Timothy 
Wheeler, and died about ten years since; his wddow^ survives him. 
Timothy Wheeler was also a very public spirited citizen. He had 
tw^o sons and three daughters, all grown to manhood and woman- 
hood w4ien he emigrated to Michigan. His daughters are all living, 
the wives of John Collins, Dennis Griggs, and the widow of M. L. 
Tower; his two sons are both dead; Shepherd, the elder, married 
Miss Mercy Tower, daughter of Nehemiah Tower, Esq., and died at 
Ludington, June 7, 1879. His son, Hon. H. H. Wheeler, w^as a 
captain in the late civil war, and has since held many offices of 
trust with honor to himself. Daniel, the younger, married Miss 
L. E. Eedmond, and both he and his wife died many years ago. 

J. B. Morse had also a large family, ten sons and daughters. 
He was a very public spirited citizen, prominent in cluircli and 
society. His wife w^as a superior w^oman. Of their large family 
but five are now living: L. D., C. F., and 0. O. Morse and Mrs. 
David Embury, of Grand Blanc, and Mrs. H. C. Babcock, of Meta- 
mora. Alonzo M., oldest son, died at Lapeer the year following 
the removal to Michigan. Lucia married Eeuben Underwood, and 
died in 1838, at the home of her husband's father in Vermont. 
Orlando married Jane Hartwell, of Atlas, and died about 1850, and 
Elizabeth married Dr. J. S. Comstock, and died May, 1874. 

H. M. Look was a man of superior education and fully equal 
in natural ability to his neighbors. His family showed uncommon 
talent, but most of them died young. The only survivor, H. M. 
Look, Jr., has a considerable reputation as a speaker and 
writer. The oldest son, Geo. H. Look, went to Kentucky and 
thence to Indiana, where he practiced law, and at his death, though 
not over thirty years of age, w-as attorney-general of the State. The 
oldest daughter was a most successful teacher. She married Wm. 
H. Small, a native of Maine. He died of consumption a few^ 
months after their marriage, and she did not survive him three years. 
Their son, born after the death of his father, w^as taken, after the 
death of the mother, to Maine by his paternal grandfather, and 



died in early manhood. The youngest daughter, a girl of brilliant 
intellect, died at fifteen years of age. Mrs. Ann Look died in 1830 
and Mr. Look married Mrs. Jane Baldwin, of Rochester, and re- 
moved to the latter place a few years after. 

Mr. John Look had also four children; of these, the two oldest, 
Orson H. Look, of Lowell, Michigan,, and Helen M., married to the 
Kev. D. L. Eaton, are dead. Of the two surviving children, the 
daughter resides in St. Louis, Mo., the son in Lowell, Mich. 

Rev. Abijah Blanchard, who resided at Farmers Creek for two 
years as a pastor of a Presbyterian Church organized there in 1838, 
w^as a singular character. He was an old -school teacher, and seems 
to have endeavored to govern his church as he had been wont to 
govern the boys of his New England academy. He did not find the 
experiment a success, for it was not long before the church was rent 
in twain by internal dissensions and church trials were the order of 
the day. One of the brethren w^as tried, and we believe expelled 
from the church, for returning home on Sunday morning from 
Lakeville or Orion to mill. He had been overtaken ^by a violent 
storm and was unable to drive home with his grist on Saturday 
night, and had no money to pay his expenses over Sunday; but it 
was a breach of the commandment and he was brought before the 
bar of the chiireh. Of course a trial for an alleged offense committed 
under such circumstances created much feeling, and was not at all less- 
ened when one of the deacons of the church was tried for the grave 
charge of having said that he considered a certain young lady of his 
acquaintance "no better than she ought to be. " He did not deny the 
charge and proceedings were had at great length. At last the churcii 
was dissolved. Mr. Blanchard went back to the East, not, how- 
ever, until he had been "charivaried" by the indignant young men of 
the community, who followed him several miles with guns, bells 
and horns. Of course this latter proceeding caused a good deal of 
feeling in the community, and it was many years before these fool- 
ish quarrels were forgotten. Mr. Blanchard had a son wdio was a 
soldier in the Mexican War. He w^as no doubt a good man, but 
had been too long a teacher and had too high an idea of the pre- 
rogative of the ministry, to succeed as a missionary in the Western 
country. 

In 1849-'50, three men in this neighborhood; Jonathan 
Coverdale, Q. P. Bruce and Curtis, left their families and homes to 
seek gold in California. Mr. Coverdale died in a few months, and 
not long after Mr. Bruce was reported to have died. Some time 
after, Mrs. Curtis, who was somewhat notorious for many peculiari- 
ties, took her children and joined her husband. They have both 
since died. Mrs. Bruce died December 25, 1881. Mrs. Coverdale 
afterw^ards married James Gark, w^as a second time widowed and 
died at North Branch about two years since. 



TOWN OF ELBA. 

Elba, known as tow^nship 7 north, of range 9 east, belongs to 
the western tier of tow^ns in Lapeer County. It is bounded on the 
north by Oregon, east by Lapeer, south by Hadley and west by Gen- 
esee County. The Chicago & Grand Trunk Eailroad traverses the 
northern portion of the township. Farmers Creek is the principal 
stream and Lake Nepessing the principal body of water. 

The population of Elba in 1810 w^as 100. 

Census of 1874: Population, 1,108; acres of taxable land, 
22,991; of improved land, 7,738; number of sheep, 3,282; of 
horses, 492; of cows, 491; pounds of wool sheared, 17,849; of pork 
marketed, 18,178; of butter made, 28,395; bushels of wheat raised 
preceding year, 33,564; of corn, 19,330; of apples, 4,654, of pota- 
toes, 6,630; tons of hay cut, 1,838. 



i 

\ 



According to the census of 1880, the town had a population of 
1,291. 

The aggregate valuation of real and personal property as equal- 
ized by the board of supervisors in 1882 was $549,000. 



ENTEIES OF LAND. 



The following list shows the entries of land prior to the year 



1841- 



Section 1 . 



Section 2. 



Section 
Section 



3. 
4. 



Section 5. 



Section 6. 



Section 7. 



Section 8. 



Section 9. 



Section 10. 



Section 11. 



Section 12. 



Section 13. 



Section 14. 



TOWNSHIP 7 NORTH, EANGE 9 EAST. 

Anastasia Thayer, November 6, 1835. 

Eobert McMillan, February 12, 1836. 

Oliver B. Hart, February 12, 1836. 

Increase Van Deusen, March 24, 1836. 

James Turrill, May 6, 1836. 

Chas. R. Griswold, April 3, 1836. 

Darius Lamson, April 11, 1836. 

Danus Lamson, April 20, 1836. 

Thomas 0. Hill, April 21, 1836. 

Moses Dole, May 16, 1836. 

Ira Davenport, May 25, 1836. 

James Turrill, May 6, 1836. 

Francis G. Macey, May 23, 1836. 

0. E. Maltby and A. W. Langdon, May 23, 1836. 

James Turrill, May 6, 1836. 

Henry Isaacs, May 25, 1836. 

Henry Isaacs, May 25, 1836. 

Wain-ge-ke-shick, May 13, 1846. 

George Bradley, November 3, 1848. 

Missionary Society of the M. E. Church, November 3, 

1848^ 
Henry Isaacs, May 25, 1836. 
Francis G. Macey, July 16, 1836. 
Gersham M. WiUiams and Peter Deyenoyer, April 9, 

1836. 
Charles and Gasca Rich, May 12, 1836. 
Henry Isaacs, May 25, 1836. 
Francis G. Macey, July 16, 1836. 
James TurriU, May 6, 1836. 
George Otto, May 10, 1836. 
Francis G. Macey, May 23, 1836. 
Charles Curtis, August 4, 1845. 
Arzy Smith, October 7, 1850. 

Peter G.Desnoyer and Francis Desnoyer,April 12,1836. 
George Otto, May 10, 1836. 
OHver E. Maltby and Amon W. Langdon, May 10, 

1836. 
Francis G. Macey, May 10, 1836. 
Reuben R. Shadbolt, November 3, 1847. 
Nathan Dickenson, William H. Imlay and George 

Beach, April 2, 1836. 
Morris T. Allen, August 12, 1833. 
Nehemiah M. Allen, August 12, 1833. 
TrumbuU Carey, March 22, 1836. 
James Turrill, May 7, 1836. 
George F. Porter, April 19, 1833. 
Ira Howland, March 8, 1836. 
TrumbuU Carey, March 28, 1836. 
James Turrill, May 6, 1836. 
Jabish M. Corey, January 24, 1837. 
Minor Y. TurriU, June 28, 1832. 
TrumbuU Carey, March 22, 1836. 
Ira Howland and Isaac Wheeler, March 20, 1837. 



Section 15. George Otto, May 10, 1836. 

Francis G. Macey, May 10, 1836. 

Oliver E. Maltby and Amon W. Langdon, May 11, 

1836. 
Francis G. Macey, May 17, 1836. 
Section 17. Charles and Gasca Rich, May 12, 1836. 
NeweU Kinsman, July 16, 1836. 
Francis G. Macey, July 16, 1836. 
Section 18. Newell Kinsman, July 16, 1836. 
Francis G. Macey, July 16, 1836. 
Isaiah Eggleston, May 2, 1839. 
WiUis F. Eggleston, May 2, 1839. 
John Loudon, November 1, 1839. 
John Lamoreaux, August 1, 1850. 
Section 19. Francis G. Macey, May 10, 1836. 
Francis G. Macey, May 23, 1836. 
Sophronia Farnham, September 11, 1839. 
John Loudon, November 1, 1839. 
Thomas M. Slayton, September 25, 1847. 
John S. Winters, October 11, 1847. 
Section 20. James A. Vandyke, April 23, 1836. 

Oliver E. Maltby and Amon W. Langdon, May 10, 

1836. 
Charles and Gasca Rich, May 12, 1836. 
Newell Kinsman, January 16, 1836. 
Section 21. Francis G. Macey, May 10, 1836. 
Francis G. Macey, May 23, 1836. 
Section 22. Francis G. Macey, Slay 10 and 23, 1836 

Oliver E. Maltby and Amon W. Langdon, May 23, 
1836. 
Section 23. Julius Beardsley, July 10, 1834. 
Francis G. Macey, May 23, 1836. 
Eleazer Lundy, October 25, 1836. 
Charles McNeU, Jr., December 13, 1839. 
Sylas Moor, December 16, 1839. 
John C. Meacham, February 19, 1840. 
David C. Wattles, December 31, 1841. 
Henry Stringer, January 15, 1842. 
Section 24. Henry M. Look, October 18, 1832. 
Julius Beardsley, July 10, 1834. 
TrumbuU Carey, October 29, 1835. 
WiUiam Moore, March 26, 1835. 
Ira Howland, March 26, 1835. 
James TurrUl, May 6, 1836. 
Center Lamb, July 16, 1836. 
Calvin Carter, August 26, 1836. 
Section 25. WiUiam Moore, March 26, 1836. 
Calvin Rose, March 26, 1836. 
Daniel H. Chandler, May 2, 1836. 
WiUiam S. Bird, June 6, 1836. 
Smith Titus, June 23, 1836, 
Nathan Seely, July 6, 1836. 
Section 26. Francis G. Macey, May 23, 1836. 
James BuUock, August 26, 1836. 
Section 27. Francis G. Macey, May 23, 1836. 

Oliver E. Maltby and Amon W. Langdon, May 28, 

1836. 
Joshua B. Chapel, August 27, 1836. 
Joseph Hoffman, October 28, 1837. 
Section 28. Charles and Gasca Rich, May 12, 1836. 
Levi Bishop, Jr., July 6, 1836. 
Isaac Wheeler, July 6, 1836. • 
Harvey Bordman, October 12, 1836. 









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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



133 



Isaac Wheeler, November 22, 1836, 

Joseph Hoffman, November 23, 1836. 

Francis G. Macey, December 19, 1836. 

Joseph Hoffman, October 28, 1837. 
Section 29. Andrew Turk, May 5, 1836. 

Francis G. Macey, May 11, 1836. 

Harry Bordman, October 12, 1836. 
Section 30. Daniel H. Chandler, May 2, 1836. 

Oliver Maltby and A. W. Langdon, May 10, 1836. 

Francis G. Macey, May 10, 1836. 

0. E. Maltby and A. W. Langdon, May 23, 1836. 

John Starkweather, October 13, 1836. 
Section 31. 0. E. Maltby and A. W. Langdon, May 10, 1836. 

Francis G. Macey, May 10, 1836. 

Charles and Gasca Eich, May 12, 1836. 

Francis G. Macey, May 23, 1836. 
Section 32. 0. E. Maltby and A. W. Langdon, May 10, 1836. 

Francis G. Macey, May 10, 1836. 

William D. Potter, Oct. 12, 1836. 
Section 33. Stephen Grant, April 1, 1836. 

Charles and Gasca Eich, May 12, 1836. 

Henry I. Wilcox, June 17, 1836. 

Loren Benedict, October 14, 1836. 

John McKay, November 8, 1837. 

John Hersey, October 23, 1838. 
Section 34. Francis G. Macey, May 23, 1836. 

Henry I. Wilcox, June 17, 1836. 

Joseph Fiefield, January 18, 1838. 

James E. Van Yranken, July 6, 1841. 
Section 35. Charles Hannibal, July 23, 1835. 

John Davison, June 6, 1836. 

Ezekiel Skinner, July 13, 1836. 

Samuel Davenport, August 26, 1836. 
Section 36. Trumbull Carey, October 29, 1835. 

C. C. Palmer and Charles Coventry, April 29, 1836. 

Thomas Battans, April 29, 1836. 

Daniel H. Chandler, May 2, 1836. 

Eufus Cram, December 20, 1836. 

Philip Crankshaw, October 15, 1850. 

Thomas Shortall, October 15, 1850. 



EAELY HISTOEY. 

The first settlers in the town of Elba ^, ere Hozial Howland 
and his son Ira, the latter the oldest living settler in the town. 
They located on section 24, in the year 1835, the entry of land 
being dated March 26. 1835. 

Hozial Howland was a native of Ehode Island, where his son 
Ira was born. He moved thence to Connecticut, and from there 
to Tioga County, Pa. In 1835 he came as has been stated to 
Lapeer County. He died in September, 1865, aged eighty-four. 

The same year with the Howlands, came William Sherwood 
and William S. Bird. In 1836 came William Eoss, Augustus 
Davison, Aim on Brookins and Eichard Pemberton. The next year 
came Lewis Bullock, James Bullock, Jonathan Coverdale, and 
Alanson Hammond, In 1838 William Nowell, Morris Perry, 
Chauncey Nye and Perry Parker. 

From 1839 to 1846, the following persons settled in the 
township: Silas Moore, Daniel Horton, Sidney Creagor, Alvin 
McMaster, Calvin Carter, Benjamin Horner, William D. Potter, A. 
S. Hatch, I. P. Bruce, Eobert Eozier, David C. Wattles, Henry 
Bronson, John Ivory, Samuel Bird, C. P. Goodrich, John Hannan, 
William Beach, Asa Preston, James Hodgson, G. W. Davis, 



Samuel Davenport, J. D. Mclntyre, E. C. Shadbolt, Tobias 
Eeeser, John N. Briggs. 

Of the persons named in this sketch, only Silas Moore, Ira 
Howland, Alanson Hammond, Sidney Creagor, Samuel Daven- 
port and John N. Briggs, are known to be living in town. Wm. 
D. Potter, J. D. Mclntyre and C. P. Goodrich have removed to 
Hadley, and most of the others have gone to the regions of the 
dead. Hozial Howland was a very prominent citizen of the town 
and county; was judge of probate at an early day. He had a 
large family all grown to manhood and womanhood, when he emi- 
grated to Michigan. Two of his sons, Thomas and Ephraim 
Howland, who married Harriet and Mary Ann, daughters of Henry 
Bronson, were long engaged in mercantile business, and specu- 
lations of all kinds, and finally became bankrupt. Afterward 
uniting with the Protestant Methodist Church, they became 
acceptable ministers of that denomination. Both died of con- 
sumption. Another old pioneer of Elba, Eichard Pemberton, had 
six daughters, three of whom became the wives of Silas Moore, 
Alanson Hammond and Ira Howland, and one son, who became 
insane in early manhood, and was for many years an inmate uf 
the Michigan Asylum for the Insane at Kalamazoo, where he died 
a few years since. 

The first school in the town was taught in 1836 in a log 
school-house on section 19. There were about seventeen scholars. 
One of the earliest and perhaps the earliest was Eobert McKay. 

The first marriage was John Shafer to his second wife, Mary 
Loisa Wait, by Ira Howland, J. P. 

The first birth was Hozial, son of Benjamin Horner. He was 
named for Hozial Howland. 

The town of Elba was organized in 1838. First township 
meeting held at the house of WiUiam S. Bird, May 5, 1838, with 
Lewis Bullock as chairman; Augustus Davison and Almon 
Brookins, clerks; Lewis Bullock was elected supervisor; Philander 
P^. Parker, clerk; Hozial, .Howland, Augustus Davison, Charles 
Hannibal and Almon Brookins, justices of the peace; William 
Bird, Morris Perry, and Ira Howland, highway commissioners; 
Hozial Howland, Augustus Davison, and Calvin Carter, assessors; 
Thomas Howland, constable and collector; Charles Hannibal and 
Calvin Carter, constables; Hozial Howland, Morris Perry, and 
Augustus Davison, overseers of the poor. 

The records of the town from the date of organization to 1846 
are missing. 

TOWN officers. 

The following is a list of town officers since 1846, the records 
prior to that time being lost. 

1846 — Supervisor, William Beech; clerk, Eeuben E. Shad- 
bolt ; treasurer, Thomas Howland. 

1847 — Supervisor, Chancy S. Eandall; clerk, J. P. Bruce; 
treasurer, William Clark; number of votes, 35. 

1848 — Supervisor, William H. Clark; clerk, Lewis Bullock; 
treasurer, W^iUiam Clark; number of votes, 32. 

1849 — Supervisor, William H. Clark; clerk, JoelD. Mclntyre; 
treasurer. Chancy Merwin; number of votes, 44. 

1850 — Supervisor, William H. Clark; clerk, Joel D. Mclntyre; 
treasurer. Chancy Merwin; number of votes, 38. 

1851 — Supervisor, Thomas M. Slayton; clerk, John J. Wat- 
kins ; treasurer, Joseph Treadway ; number of votes, 40. 

1852— -Supervisor, Thomas M. Slayton; clerk, Alanson Ham- 
mond ; treasurer, Joseph Treadway. 

1853 — Supervisor, Charles Eich; clerk, Oreb Vilas; treasurer, 
Chancy Merwin. 

1854 — Supervisor, William H. Clark, clerk, Oreb Vilas; treas- 
urer. Chancy Merwin. 



rrv* 



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134 



HIS.TOKY OF LA.PEEK COUNTY. 



1855 — Supervisor, Charles Eicli; clerk, Oreb Vilas; treasurer, 
Chancy Merwin; number of votes, 69. 

1856 — Supervisor, Charles Rich; clerk, John Allen; treasurer. 
Chancy Merwin; number of votes, 91. 

1857 — Supervisor, William D. Potter; clerk, Alanson Ham- 
mond; treasurer, Alexander Hoffman. 

1858 — Supervisor, William D. Potter; clerk, Alanson Ham- 
mond; treasurer, Alexander Hotfman; number of votes, 108. 

1859 — Supervisor, Alexander Hoffman; clerl\, Joel D. Mcln- 
tyre; treasurer, Benoni Bullock, number of votes, 134. 

1860 — Supervisor, Stephen V. Thomas; clerk, Joel D. Mcln- 
tyre; treasurer, Benoni Bullock ; number of votes, 157. 

1861 — Supervisor, Stephen Y. Thomas; clerk, Joel D. Mcln- 
tyre; treasurer, Benoni Bullock; number of votes, 129. 

1862— Supervisor, Stephen V. Thomas; clerk, Joel D. Mcln- 
tyre; treasurer, Benoni Bullock; number of votes, 138. 

1863 — Supervisor, Stephen V. Thomas; clerk, Lewis Bullock ; 
treasurer, Abram B. Gates; number of votes, 131. 

1864 — Supervisor, Joel D. Mclntyre; clerk, Lewis Bullock; 
treasurer, Benoni Bullock; number of votes, 125. 

1865 — Supervisor, Joel D. Mclntyre; clerk, Martin P. Moor; 
treasurer, Reuben H. Slayton; number of votes, 126. 

1866— Supervisor, Joel D. Mclntyre; clerk, Martin P. Moor; 
treasurer, Reuben H. Slayton; number of votes, 151. 

1867 - Supervisor, Joseph Treadway; clerk, Sackett Ostroni; 
treasurer, John Selby. 

1868 — Supervisor, William H. Clark; clerk, Sackett Ostrom; 
treasurer, John Selby; number of votes, 218. 

18(39 — Supervisor, John T. Rich; clerk, Sackett Ostrom; 
treasurer, John Selby. 

1870 — Supervisor, John T. Rich; clerk, Sackett Ostrom; 
treasurer, Alanson Hammond. 

1871 — Supervisor, John T. Rich; clerk, Warren Perry; 
treasurer, Alanson Hammond. 

1872— Supervisor, John T. Rich; clerk, Warren Perry, treas- 
urer, Alanson Hammond; number of votes, 234. 

1873 — Supervisor, Joel D. Mclntyre; clerk, Sackett Ostrom; 
treasurer, Henry Gibson; number of votes, 209. 

1874— Supervisor, Joel D. Mclntyre; clerk, Sackett Ostrom; 
treasurer, Henry Gibson. 

187e5 — Supervisor, Joel 1). Mclntyre ; clerk, Sackett Ostrom; 
treasurer, Henry Gibson; number of votes, 254. 

1876— Supervisor, Joel D. Mclntyre ; clerk, Sackett Ostrom; 
treasurer, F. G. Bullocl^\ 

1877 — Snpervispr, David Godfrey ; clerk, Martin P. Moor; 
treasurer, F. G. Buhock. 

1878 — Supervisor, Frederick G. Bullock; clerk, Martin P. 
Moor ; treasurer, Sackett Ostrom. 

1879 — Supervisor, Frederick G. Bidlock; clerk, Martin P. 
Moor; treasurer, Sackett Ostrom. 

1880 — Supervisor, Frederick G. Bullock ; clerk, Martin P. 
Moor; treasurer, Melville Inman. 

1881 — Supervisor, Frederick G. Bullock; clerk, William How- 
land; treasurer, Robert Stewart. 

1882 — Supervisor, Frederick G. Bullock; clerk, William How- 
land; treasurer, Robert Stewart. 

1883 — Supervisor, Frederick G. Bullock; clerk, William How- 
land; treasurer, Morris R. Moor. 

SCHOOL REPORT. 

The report of the school inspectors for the year 1882 of the 
town of Elba, shows the number of school children to have been 
466 ; number of school buildings, 10. The inspectors for the ensu- 
ing year were Charles A. Bullock, John Halpin, Peter Piper, John 



W. Kile, John B. Hammond, R. Misner, B. F. Kingsbury,' P. J. 
Crankshaw, Enos M. Woodard, Joseph Baxter. 

ELBA STATION. 

Wiien the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad came through, the 
settlement of Elba Station sprang up, and has become a business 
center for that immediate neighborhood. It is a small village, con- 
taining a pbstoffice, stores, etc. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

William Howland was born in Lapeer Township, Mich., De- 
cember 7, 1852, and has been a continual resident of the county 
since his birth. He now resides on section 13, Elba Township, and 
is the present township clerk. Married in 1876 to Anna Stalker, 
who w^as born in England in 1858. Two children— Robert N. and 
Kate. His father, Ira, w^as born in Connecticut about the year 
1810, and settled in Michigan in about 1836, and has held nearly 
all the offices of trust or honor in his township, and resides on the 
same section with his son. 

John Stewart was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1799; mar- 
ried Janet Cook in 1829, who was born in Argyleshire in 1804. 
Settled in Canada in 1854, and in Elba Township, Lapeer County, 
Mich., on section 31, in 1856, where they stih reside, having passed 
their fifty-fourth wedding anniversary. They iiave six hving chil- 
di-en — Agnes Black, John, Marian McDougall, Catherine Eraser, 
Robert, Janet Gleason. They have lost two by death. They reside 
in their old age with their son Robert, who w^as born in 1841, and 
who has been identified as one of Elba's prominent citizens by hav- 
ing held several township offices. 

Henry N. Potter was born on section 32, Elba Township, in 
1842, where he now resides; married in 1866 Emma Gleason. Has 
five children — Arthur, Lilhe, Edwin, Otis and Duane. His father, 
Rev. W. D. Potter, was one of the very first settlers in the county, 
mention of which is made elsewdiere. 

Myron Snyder w^as born in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1829, 
and settled in Lapeer County, Mich., Elba Tow^nsiiip, in 1866, on 
section 11, wdiere he now resides and ow^ns 400 acres of land, which 
he keeps under a fine state of cultivation. He also deals largely in 
stock and horses, shipping as far West as Dakota. Married in 
1851 Sarah J. Hoyt, who w^as born in W^ayne County, N. Y., in 
1830. They have three children — Adella, Minnie and Charles. His 
father, Peter, settled in Michigan in 1869 and died in 1876. 
Mother died in 1874. 

William Hammond was born in Elba Township in 1847; is a 
farmer of 160 acres, residing on section 17; unmarried. His 
father, Alanson, was born in Rutland County, Vt., in 1815, and 
settled in Oakland County, Mich., at a very early date. 

William Beckman was born in Pennsylvania in 1828; settled 
on section 22, Elba Township, in 1869. Married in 1850 Elizabeth 
Geesey, wdio was also born in Pennsylvania in 1828. They are the 
parents of seven -children— Charles, Mary, Jane, Ehzabeth, Ella, 
John, Emma. 

John Wmsmp was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1825, 
and moved with his parents to Livingston County, N. Y., in 1830, 
thence to Atlas, Genesee County, Mich., in 1836, w^here he remained 
until 1859 engaged in farming. In that year he w^ent to California, 
remaining till 1862, when he made one of a party of 100 men who 
volunteered and paid their own expenses to New York City, where 
they were mustered into ser^ce in the Second Massachusetts Cav- 
alry, in which he served to the close of the war in the cavalry 
corps of the Army of the Potomac. After being discharged, he re- 
turned to Atlas, where he again engaged in farming till 1872, when 
he came to Elba Station and built the store he now occupies, in 



^^ 



■pr 




Joseph Treadway, 

Elba Tp, Lapeer Co., 




MRS. Joseph TRfADWAv. 
Elba Tp., Lapeer Cd. 



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HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY 



135 



which he keeps a stock of general merchandise. He is also post- 
master. Was married in 1865 to Miss Sarah Hyde, who was born 
in Niagara County, N. Y., in 1840. They have four children. 

Joseph Treadway was born in Shoreham, Addison County, Vt., 
November 24, 1818, and in 1847 came to Elba, Lapeer County,' 
Mich., and purchased a farm on section 8. He now owns 480 acres 
of land, upon which he keeps 200 fine wool sheep. He has, un- 
doubtedly, one of the best stock farms in this part of the Stat?. Mr. 
Treadway was married in 1848 to Miss Mary Eeeser, who was born 
in New York. They have six children. 

John E. Hammond was born in Clarendon, Rutland County, 
N. Y., in 1824. In 1844 he came to Elba, Lapeer County, Mich., 
and settled on section 16, where he has since resided, with the ex- 
ception of the time he spent in the service of the United States. 
He enhsted in 1863 in Company C, Tenth Michigan Cavalry, and 
served under General Thomas in the Army of the Tennessee. Was 
married to Miss Amy Ann Thornton, of Rutland County, Vt., where 
she was born in 1824. They have had seven children, of whom 
four are living. 

Jerome Compton was born in Monroe County, N. Y., in 1845, 
and in 1862 came to Elba, Lapeer County, Mich., and settled on 
section 6, where he engaged in farming till 1881, when he purchased 
the hotel at Elba Station, which he has since kept and also managed 
his farm. October, 1874, he married Miss Addie Price, who was 
born in Glen Falls, Saratoga County, N. Y, They have three 
children. 

Silas Moore was born in Tioga County, Pa., in 181B, and 
came to Lapeer, Lapeer County, Mich., in 1836, and settled on sec- 
tion 18, where he remained till 1839, when he moved to the town- 
ship of Elba and located on section 13, thence to his present home 
on section 17 in 1846. He has engaged in farming exclusively as a 
business since he came to the county; ])ut during that time has 
represented his township in the offices of supervisor, justice of the 
peace, township clerk, treasurer and highway commissioner. He 
was married July 17, 1836, to Miss Caroline Pemberton, and they 
have had a family of eight children. 

Morris R. Moore was born in the township of Elba, Lapeer 
County, Mich., March 17, 1847, and is a son of Silas Moore, whose 
farm he is now managing. He was married April 22, 1875, to Miss 
Minora A. Lyons, who was born in Elba. They have two children. 
Lewis Bullock, deceased, was born in Sand Lake, Rensellaer 
County, N. Y., December 1, 1810, and came to Lapeer County, 
Mich., in 1837. He took up a large tract of land from the govern- 
ment, and settled in the township of Elba on section 26, clearing 
up his farm and living upon it until his death, September 26, 1872. 
He was married May 12, 1836, to Emily L. Davis, who was born in 
Lewiston, Niagara County, N. Y., March 5, 1821. They had a 
family of nine children, of whom four are now living. 

Frederick G. Bullock, son of Lewis Bullock, was born in Elba 
December 16, 1841, and has always resided on his farm on section 
26, which en passant is a very fine one, with buildings to compare. 
In official position Mr. Bullock has served as school inspector two 
years, township treasurer four years, and supervisor five years, 
which office he still holds. Married November 11, 1869, to Miss 
Elizabeth M. Pelton. They have six children. 

A. B. Gates was born in Senesi, Ontario County, N. Y., Nov. 
23, 1826, and came to Lapeer with his parents in 1836, and learned 
the trade of carpenter and joiner, which business he followed for a 
number of years. About the year 1857 he settled on a farm located 
on sections 13 and 14, in the township of Elba, and in 1864 moved 
to his present home on section 27. He was married in 1851 to 
Miss Jane Smith, who Avas born in Almont, Mich., and died in 
1863. He was again married, in 1864, to Mrs. Martha L. Bullock. 



Hon. John T. Rich was born in Conneautville, Crawford County, 
Pa., April 23, 1841, and moved with his parents in 1846, to Addi- 
son- County, Vt., and in 1848, came to Elba, Lapeer County, 
Mich. He received a common school and academic education, and 
is by occupation, a farmer; owns a fine farm in Elba on section 19, 
and is engaged quite extensively in breeding short-horned cattle 
and fine-wooled sheep. He has been elected four times, in a town- 
ship that usually gives a Democratic majority. Was elected to the 
State legislature in 1872 and re-elected in 1874-76 and 1878. He 
was chosen speaker of the legislature m 1877 and renominated in 
1879. In the first two terms of his legislative service he acquired 
influence by close attention, sound common sense and personal 
affability, serving on important committees, while, as speaker, none 
of his decisions were ever reversed and very few ever appealed from. 
As a presiding officer his ability, promptness and fairness earned for 
him the respect of all parties, and he introduced several improve- 
ments into the methods of business pursued by the house. He was 
elected to the State senate in 1880, and at the Republican State 
convention in 1880, Mr. Rich received a strong support as a candi- 
date for governor, his vote steadily increasing till the tenth ballot, 
when the vote went to David H. Jerome. The Repubhcan conven- 
tion for the Seventh Congressional District on March 11, 1881, 
nominated Mr. Rich by fifty-two out of sixty-five votes, as the suc- 
cessor of Mr. Conger, who had been promoted to the U. S. senate. 
Mr. Rich ws married in March, 1863, to Miss Lucretia Winship, 
of Avon, N. Y. 

Ebenezer W. Powelson was born in Groveland, Oakland 
County, Mich., Aug. 31, 1843, and came to Elba, Lapeer County, 
Nov. 18, 1868, and purchased a farm on section 22, where he re- 
mained engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1878. 
He was married March 25, 1868, to Miss Mary Ramsey, who was 
born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1843. They had two children. 
Mrs. Powelson now owns a good farm of eighty acres. 



TOWN OF MARATHON. 

This town is the northernmost of the western tier of townships, 
and is bounded on the north by Tuscola County, east by Deerfield, 
south by Oregon and west by Genesee County. The north and 
south branches of the Flint River unite in section 23, and the main 
stream continues in a southwesterly direction across the town- 
ship line. The township was originally largely covered with pine, 
and extensive logging and lumbering operations were carried on 
here at an early day, and are still continued to a limited extent. 

The Detroit and Bay City branch of the Michigan Central 
Railroad traverses the southwest portion of the tov/nship. 

In 1840 the population of the town was 52, and in 1880, 1,667. 

The State census of 1874, gave the following information: 
Population, 1,308; acres of improved land, 5,581; number of sheep, 
941; of swine, 385; of neat cattle, other than oxen and cows, one 
year old and over, 429 ; of horses, 313 ; of mules, 16 ; of work oxen, 109 ; 
of milch cows, 411 ; products of preceding year, 3,882 pounds of wool; 
15,301 pounds of pork marketed; 38,252 pounds of butter made; 
12,204 bushels wheat raised; 13,375 pounds of corn; 28,043 of 
other grain; 2,420 of apples; 6,251 of potatoes, and 1,242 tons of 
hay; 47 barrels of cider were made. 

In 1882 the equalized valuation of real and personal property 
in the township was §540,000. 

oeganization. 
The town of Marathon was organized in the year 1839, the 
present towns of Oregon on the south and Deerfield on the east be- 



^ 


<? , w„ 




^ ^ 


k 




136 HISTOEY OF LAPEEE 


COUNTY. 






ing incorporated with it. Silas D. McKeen, then running a saw- 


Section 20. 


David Burritt, January 29, 1836. 






mill near the present site of the McKeen bridge and a member of 




Oliver Olmsted, January 22, 1836. 






the legislature at the time, named the town Marathon, after the fa- 




Julius B. Hart, October 17, 1836. 






mous Greek battlefield. The first town meeting was held at the 




Abijah Willey, November 14, 1836. 






house of Abijah Willey on the first day of April, 1839. The hst of 




George F. Ball, March 10, 1817. 






officers elected contains twenty offices and only twelve names. 




Simon Aurand, October 13, 1838. 






Those were rare times for office seekers. Horace N. Lathrop was 




Truman Farrand, March 27, 1839. 






first supervisor, 8. D. McKeen, town clerk, and Martin Volentine, 


Section 21. 


John Shaefer, June 6, 1836. 






collector. Mr. Volentine states that during this and the following 




David Vosburgh, June 11, 1836. 






year he never took any money except what seemed a silver dollar, 




Aaron C. Williams, June 11, 1836. 






and that turned out to be bogus. Almost the only currency to be 




Asahel Wise, June 11, 1836. 






found in town was town and county orders. 




Abraham Hollenbeck. June 11, 1836. 






At this first township meeting Silas D. McKeen was moderator, 


Section 22. 


Jarvis Hurd, April 6, 1836. 






and Eichard Bronson, Abraham Holl en beck, Andrew Mc Arthur 




Abraham A. Post, April 20, 1836. 






and Alonzo Davis were inspectors of election. 


Section 23. 


Lewis Goddard and Jonathan R. White, February 






Two hundred and fifty dollars were appropriated for improve- 




13, 1836. 






ment of highways. 




Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 






The sum of five dollars was voted as wolf bounty. 




Beech, April 7, 1836. 






The annual report of school inspectors of the town of Marathon 


Section 24. 


John R. White, February 25, 1836. 






for the year 1882 shows the number of school children to have heen 


' 


Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 






672; number of school buildings, seven. The school inspectors for 




Beech, April 7, 1836. 






the ensuing year were A. W. Monroe, A. Willey, Peter Hagle, Nelson 


Section 25. 


Lewis Goddard and J. R. Wliite, February 15, 






Sweet, A. C. Robertson, John Wilson, W. C. Cummings, Bradford 




1836. 






Johnson. 




Lewis Goddard and J. R. White, February 13, 

1836. 
Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 






LAND ENTRIES PRIOR TO 1841. 












Beech, April 7, 1836. 






TOWNSHIP 9 NOBTH, KANGE 9 EAST. 


Section 26. 


Lewis Goddard and J. R. White, February 13, 1836. 






Section 4. Aaron Rood, November 25, 1836. 




N. Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George Beech, 






Calvin C. Waller, December 19, 1836. 




April 7, 1836. 






Charles Linsley, December 19, 1836. 


Section 27. 


Horatio N. Fowler and Asahel Hubbard, April 6, 






Reuben A. Lamb, December 19, 1836. 




1836. 






Minor Y. Turreh, December 19, 1836. 




Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 






Almon Brookins, December 19, 1836. 




Beech, April 18, 1836. 






Alva Bishop, January 23, 1837. 


Section 28. 


Horatio N. Fowler and Asahel Hubbard, April 6, 






Section 5. Aaron Rood, November 25, 1836. 




1836. 






Cavin C. WaUer, December 19, 1836. 




Sylvanus P. Germain, April 7, 1836. 






Reuben A. Lamb, December 19, 1836. 




Abijah Willey and Evart Clute, May 27, 1836. 






Aaron Rood, December 19, 1836. 




Christopher Logan, June 6, 1836. 






Section 8. William G. Stone, August 24, 1836. 




Henry Waldorph, June 11, 1036. 






Henry Wheelock, December 19, 1836. 




Oliver B. Hart, June 13, 1836. 






William Holdridge, Jr., September 6, 1837. 




Edward G. Morton, June 14, 1836. 






Section 9. Albert Lester, September 15, 1836. 


Section 29. 


Abijah Willey and Evart Clute, May 27, 1836. 






George Rood, November 25, 1836. 




Amasa Nash, June 6, 1836. 






Section 10. Henry K. Sanger, January 16, 1837. 




Samuel Volentine, October 15, 1836. 






Section 11. Henry S. Piatt, May 2, 1836. 




Justus B. Hart, October, 17, 1836. 






Henry K. Sanger, January 16, 1837. 




Asa Phillips, June 3, 1839. 






Section 12. Henry S. Piatt, May 2, 1836. 




Nelson Volentine, October 26, 1839. 






Section 13. Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 




Shubal Volentine, October 26, 1839. 






Beech, April 2, 1836. . 




Shubal Volentine, November 16, 1840. 






Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 


Section 31. 


Conckling Carr, February 17, 1837. 






Beech, April 7, 1836. 




Nelson Volentine, March 13, 1838. 






Section 14. Henry S. Piatt, May 2, 1836. 


Section 32. 


Delos Davis, May 21, 1836. 






James B. Hunt, January 16, 1837. 


Section 33. 


CuUen Brown, February 27, 1836. 






Section 15. Hei:ry K. Sanger, January 16, 1837. 




Gershom M. Williams and John Winder, March 7, 






Section 17. David Burritt, June 29, 1836. 




1836. 






Josiah Snyder, June 29, 1836. 




Thomas L. L. Brent, March 9, 1836. 






George W. Wilhams and James Eraser, March 28, 




Eurotas P. Hastings, March 9, 1836. 






1837. 




Sylvanus P. Germain, April 7, 1836. ^ 






Horace B. Harrison, August 4, 1837. 




Abijah Willey and Evart Clute, May 21, 1836. 






Section 18. Stephen I. Payne, April 15, 1837. 


Section 34. 


Thomas L. L. Brent, March 9, 1836. 






Section 19. Edward G. Faile, November 24, 1836. 




Homer Foote, April 18, 1836. 




J 


George F. Ball, March 10, 1837. 




Abraham A. Post, April 20, 1836. 


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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 




137 



Section 34. Ira Davenport, May 19, 1886. 
SecttoiN 35. Oliver Wiswall, May 2, 1836. 
Section 36. J. B. White and Lewis Stoddard, February 15, 1836. 

Nathan Dickinson, Wilham H. Imlay and (ieorge W. 
Beech, April 7, 1836. 

Eurotas P. Hastings, May 17, 1836. 

Moses Dole, May 21, 1836. 

EAELY HISTOKY. 

Dr. William B. Hamilton furnishes the following chapter on 
the early history of Marathon : 

"The love of comitry is a common and a noble feeling; there 
are but few minds insensible to its iniiiience. It is a grand passion 
implanted in the great heart of humanity for the wisest purposes. It 
renders possible the arrangement of mankind into national coin- 
munities, bound together by powerful ties and securing to their 
members all the blessings which arise from law and order, and 
their resulting civilization, personal protection and general diffu- 
sion of knowledge. 

"Akin to this feeling is the love of home. The word 'home' 
brings a thrill to the coldest heart* There are few who do not feel 
a tender regard for the spot that witnessed their advent to life; 
that was the scene of their early toils and struggles, joys and 
sorrows, trials and triumphs. 

"We of this new world have a peculiar history, ard a peculiar 
mission. Hardly a generation has passed away, since in this and 
other localities the pleasant land we inhabit was in a state of 
nature, inhabited by savage men, and scarce more savage beasts; 
and utterly unfitted, from its wilderness condition, to be the home 
of civilized and enlightened people. To drive back those savage 
foes, both brute and human, to subdue the forest and make the 
wilderness blossom as the rose, was a task that required in those 
who undertook it, no small development of the elements of heroism. 
Those gallant aien who led the way must need have stout hearts 
and iron frames. The noble women who accompanied them in 
those arduous labors, added to the usual feminine virtues, a more 
than common courage and devotion. The dangers they en- 
countered, the privations they endured, the work they accom- 
plished should never be forgotten. Savage men and brutes were 
not the only enemies they had to encounter. The howling denizens 
of the forest were trivial foes, compared with the gaunt wolf of 
hunger. The dreaded red man made fewer victims than the 
ghastly specter of malaria. Some perished early in the strife and 
richly earned the palm of martyrdom. To the few who still survive 
belongs the laurel chaplet. 

"The first white men of whom we can find any record or 
tradition as having 'crossed over Jordan,' the Flint River, into the 
promised land of Marathon,with a view- to settlement, were Ephraim 
Clute and Abijah WiUey. In the spring cf 1836 Mr. Clute and Mr. 
Willey followed an Indian or hunter's trail down the South 
Branch of the Fhnt River, to near the point where Columbiavihe 
now stands; and crossing with some difficulty followed up the 
creek which comes in here from the northwest, until they reached 
a point just back of the present site of the Willey school-house. There 
they pitched their camp and proceeded to spy out the land. While 
by day they tore their way through thickets, and scrambled over 
fallen timber in prosecuting their search, by night they cooked 
their frugal rations and slept the sleep of the weary to the music of 
such a serenade as has not been heard for many years in 
Marathon. 

"The wolves in hungry droves filled the woods with terrible 
bowlings, approaching so near the brushwood hut of the sleepers 
as to scratch up the leaves behind the log against which they had 



built their evening fire. It seems that the result of the search was 
satisfactory, and unlike the cowardly Hebrew spies we read of, they 
found no giant difficulties in the way in comparison with which 
they likened themselves to grasshoppers, but like Caleb and Joshua 
of old, men of truth and valor, they told their famihes that they had 
seen a goodly land and urged them to go down and drive out the 
inhabitants thereof and possess it. And they did. Not after forty 
years' wandering in the wilderness,, but the very next spring these 
tw^o men commenced clearing land on the locations they had chosen ; 
Mr. Chite on the west half of section 33, and Mr. WiUey on the 
southwest quarter of section 27. Here they burned the brush, stirred 
the soil a little and planted corn among the logs. They also peeled 
bark for roofing to the shanties which they expected to build in the 
fall. In September they returned having with them Mr. WiUey's 
son Seth, and Lyman Philhps. They brought a yoke of cattle and 
a wagon, cutting a road from one-half a mile north of Lapeer, 
keeping on the west side of the river. They were several days en- 
gaged in this work, sleeping under the wagon at night. Then they 
built their shanties, small affairs thirteen by eighteen, covered with 
bark. October 12, 1837, Mr. Clute moved in his wife and one child, 
now Mrs. Wilham Peter. When they reached the point on the river 
where they wished to cross, they had no Moses with them to part with 
his sacred rod the turbid waters and let them cross on dry ground. 
Mr. Clute had to wade the river, swimming his cattle and wagon 
across; then at several relays, with the aid of a fioat of logs and a 
pole, got over his wife and child, two pigs and a cow. The next 
day, October 13, Abraham HoUenbeck moved in and the next week 
Abijah Willey, both bringing large families, who still, for the most 
part, reside among us. 

"As an instance of the difference between the past and the pres- 
ent when we are possessed of so many modern conveniences in the 
way of roads, bridges and mills, it is stated that late in this fall, 
Mr. Clute went to the. nearest mill, that of Mr. Hemingway, five 
miles beyond Orion, a distance of nearly forty miles, to procure 
fiour; not over an elegant turnpike with convenient bridges and 
comfortable stopping places along the route, but through an almost 
unbroken wilderness, fording difficult streams and struggling over 
the worst of roads. While out on this trip a terrible rain storm 
came on, and on his return the Flint River had risen, covering the 
flats from bank to bank. Here ^vas a dilemma. By dint of great 
exertion he succeeded in crossing on a fioat himself with enough 
flour to meet the wants of his family; but the team and cargo had 
to be left until next day, the cattle being fed with a few corn stalks. 
Then with infinite pains, with the aid of Mr. Willey, he got one of 
the oxen on the raft and poled him over until he thought he would 
swdm for home and then dropped him. But what was his chagrin 
to see Buck wheel about and paddle back to his mate. Their work 
had to be done over again, but next time they took Bright in tow 
and got them botii safely over. Shortly after this, ice a foot thick 
formed all over the river and flats, while the river fell leaving a 
deep depression and wdde fissures in the ice. Across this Abraham 
HoUenbeck, who had moved into town the day after Mr. Clute, 
attempted to pass; but his cattle broke through and but for the 
lucky circumstance that his sleigh caught and hung on a stump 
they would have slipped under the ice and been drow^ned. With 
the energy and haste of despair he procured the aid of Clute and 
Willey and their wives, and w^ith axes and levers they'succeeded in 
rescuing the much valued oxen from their perilous position in tlie 
water; but not until the last one out had become so chilled that he 
could not stand up for a considerable time. 

"Abraham HoUenbeck had bought the northwest quarter of 
section 21 in 1836, in which year about three-fourths of the town- 
ship had been bought up by speculators and those intending settle- 



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HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



ment, but he did not move in until the fall of 1837. Mr. H. was 
a pious man ; in fact, his neighbors say he Avas for some years the 
only pious man in town. For a while public worship was con- 
ducted by him at his ow^n house, and that of Mr. Andrew Mc- 
Arthur; ahd here also and under his care was organized and con- 
ducted the first Sunday-school. This was probably under the 
auspices of a Mr. Morse, a Presbyterian minister located at Lapeer, 
in the fall of 1838. To this same denomination Mr. HoUenbeck 
belonged. 

"David Burritt moved in on the 28d of February, 1838, and 
settled on the northeast quarter of section 20. During this summer 
several more families w^ere added to the population. Martin Volen- 
tine came September 28, and September 29 Andrew McArthur, 
wiiose son Eeuben had come the previous year with Mr. HoUen- 
beck. Mr. McArthur was very fond of hunting and made great 
havoc among the bear, elk, deer, wolves, etc., with which the forest 
abounded. He was known among the Indians by the name Ne-josh- 
on-ton-e-get, or Big Hunter. He caught in one winter forty-seven 
wolves, when the bounty was sixteen dollars a head. On his first 
visit to the lake now known as Otter Lake, he saw five otters 
swimming in it, one of which he shot. From this circumstance the 
lake took its name. 

"The families of Asa Phillips and Harvey Perkins also came 
about this time. 

"In 1838 occurred the first birth and death among the white 
people in the town. On March 6th was born Edwin Clute who died 
July 2d of the same year. The second person born was Alonzo 
Volentine, November 17, 1839, who still lives. John Willey and 
Charles McArthur were born soon after in the order named." 

In 1839 the families of Benjamin Niles, Amasa Wood, A. J. 
Kichards and Chauncey Phillips settled in the town. Mrs.- Phillips 
died within the year, and was the first adult person buried here. 

In these times, and for many years subsequent, it is not to be 
supposed that the settlers rolled in luxury to any great extent. The 
roads were bad at the best, and at certain seasons almost or wholly 
impassable. Mills were distant, and if there had been stores there 
was little or no moiiey with which to buy. Stories are related of 
families living for weeks on hulled corn and leeks or salt and pota- 
toes. In sickness many distressing cases occurred from the diffi- 
culty of procuring early help, and many a midnight tramp has been 
taken to Lapeer after a doctor, over roads obstructed by fallen trees 
through the dense pine forest. 

Mr. HoUenbeck built the first barn, a log one, forty feet long, 
and it was raised by eight men. Verily, "there were giants in those 
days." He also built the first corn-crib of small logs, which is still 
standing in full view of the road, a very fine specimen of backwoods 
architecture, showing Mr. H. to have been a man of ingenuity and 
enterprise. 

The little archer, Cupid, paid his first recorded visit to this 
town in the faU of 1839. Through his influence, no doubt, John 
B. Evans and Sarah Willey walked up to the hy menial altar, and 
were united in the bonds of wedlock by S. D. McKeen, Esq. The 
next couple to join heart and hand for fife were Jabez Loomis and 
Harriet Collins, married by the father of the bride. This was in 
the spring of 1840, and in the foUowing year Eichard Clute and 
Lucretia Phillips took tiie same important step. This being the 
third wedding, would hardly have been entitled to mention, but for 
the fact that an incident occurred on this occasion, which, as it 
marks one phase of development, ought not to be passed unnoticed. 
Three young gentlemen and three young ladies formed themselves 
into the first musical association in town, and greeted the happy 
con pie in the dead hour of night with a lively serenade on tin pans 
and horns, cow-beUs and goose-quill squeakers, with a running ac- 



companiment on the pocket pistol. The performers at this prim- 
itive concert, not desirous of personal fame, modestly desire that 
their names be withheld, and therefore historical accuracy must be 
sacrificed to private confidence. It is but just to the young ladies 
to state that they declare that they took no part in the music, but 
stayed behind and listened. 

The next three years were marked by a very remarkable epi- 
demic — an epidemic of matrimony. So many of the young people 
of the settlement fell victims to this usually agreeable disease that 
personal mention must be omitted. Something less than a dozen 
marriages occurred about this time, linking together most of the 
old families in the closest ties of relationship. 

Daring these years and up to 1847, as might have been ex- 
pected, by immigration and otherwise, the population of Marathon 
increased rapidly, and many prominent names w^ere added to the 
citizenship of the town. Among th^se were Colonel Needham 
Hemingway and his two sons, Henry and Isaac; the Aurand family, 
George, Jacob, Andrew and Daniel; the Lawrence family, Den- 
nis, and afterward his brothers, Joseph and Levi; Chauncey 
Maxfield, B. J. Harris, W. W. Wagner, Abram Purdy, Edwin Eich- 
mond, W. W. Brown, George and Leander Levalley, and soon 
afterward Mortimer F. Levalley, David Haskell and James Petteys. 

In 1840 Dennis Lawrence helped cut the present direct road to 
Lapeer. Previously the route was by Brunnson Lake. 

In 1841 the first school-house was built on HoUenbeck's Cor- 
ners near the cemetery, and the first school teacher was Miss Sarah 
Hart. 

W. W. Wagner, assisted by Duncan Lawrence, built the first 
water saw-miU, which later became and still remains the property 
of the latter. 

In 1850 John Pier son built the first steam saw-mill at Pierson- 
ville, and the same year lumber was first rafted down the Flint Eiver. 
Not until 1864 did the tow^n contain a grist-mill, viz., the one built 
by Eichard s Bros, on the stream at Columbia ville. . 

Nearly all the patriarchal heads of the old pioneer families have 
now crossed another river than the Flint. 

"Slow, one by one they cross, that pilgrim band, 
And find beyond another Promised Land ; * 

Nor do they fear the dark and troubled tide. 
But listen calmly to some angel guide. 
Who leads them safely to the farther side. 
There, 'stead of lonesome forests wild and stern. 
Fair gardens blush and bloom at every turn ; 
Instead of rough log cabins, low and mean, 
Tall heavenly mansions deck the glorious scene ; 
No howling savage brutes inspire with fear. 
Sweet tones fi-om loving voices charm the ear. 
Hunger, disease and death no more they feel. 
The tree of life wiU nourish them and heal; 
There with the loved and loving ones of yore. 
They settle down upon that peaceful shore, 
A happy colony forevermore." 

LUMBERING IN MARATHON. 

There was a grea. deal of pine in this township, and it was for 
years more a lumbering than a farming community. Among the 
early lumbermen were S. D. McKeen, John Shafer, Eufus Pierson 
and Henry Niver. McKeen built near what has ever since been 
known as McKeen's bridge across Flint Eiver. This was burnt aqd 
never rebuilt. Niver and Shafer operated at what is now known as 
Columbiaville, and the hamlet for a long time was known as Niver- 
ville. Their successor w^as William Peter. Mr. Pierson established 
himself at what was known as Marathon village, a place of no im- 
portance now, the railroad having passed it by. Columbiaville on 
the D. & B. C. E. E. in the south part of the town, and Otter Lake, 
on the west line of the town, also on the railroad, where Fox & 



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HISTOEY OP LAPEEE COUNTY. 



139 



Begole and Page & Benson had their kimbermg estabhshments, are 
now the important places in the township. 



VILLAGE OF COLUMBIA YILLE. 

This is an incorporated village located on the Flint Kiver, and 
on sections 28, 27, 38 and 34. 

The first settler on the site of the village, was Levi D. Cutting, 
who is still a resident of the place. Mr. Cutting was born in the 
town of Nashfield, Vermont, in 1820. When fifteen years of age 
he moved with his parents to Junius, Seneca County, N. Y., and 
afterwards to Hartland, Niagara County. In the fall of 1847 he 
removed with his family to Marathon and settled where Columbia- 
ville now stands. Mr. Cutting was married in 1842 to Eliza M. 
Warner, of Niagara County, N. Y., who died in Columbiaville, Jan- 
uary 29, 1872, leaving one son. He married his present wife, Abi- 
gail M. Hopkins, November 12, 1875. 

Mr. Cutting's journey to his new" home was attended with 
severe hardships. Their only child was sick and the latter part of 
the journey was brought upon a pillow, and carried in its father's 
arms. The last twelve miles he travelei on foot carrying his pre- 
cious burden. Bridges were then unknown in this region and with 
his child in his arms he waded across the Flint Eiver. 

When he arrived here, a solitary shanty, which had recently 
been built by a man named Fineout, was the only sign of human 
life that was visible. Fineout remained but a short time and then 
left the place. Mr. Catting built a shanty and thus established the 
first home in the locality. Here he has remained to the present 
time, and has now a home in a pleasant residence in a thrifty vil- 
lage. 

The next movement in this locality was the erection of a saw- 
mill on the bank of the river. George and Henry Niver had located 
a large tract of pine land in this region, and planned to manufact- 
ure it into pine lumber. They lived at Copac, Columbia County, 
N. Y^., and Palmer Niver, as their agent, came here to build a mill. 
The firm afterward became Niver & Shaffer. The mill w^as built in 
1848-'49. Ifc was a water mill and is still standing, but its wheels 
have ceased to revolve, and its days of activity are probably, in the 
past. 

The operation of the mill called together a few men and a little 
settlement was begaa. The Nivers kspt a few groceries for the ac- 
commodation of their men, and a blacksmith shop was started. 

About this time, a young man named William Peter was work- 
ing on a farm in Columbia County, near where the Nivers lived. 
He was receiving four dollars a month for his labor, and the proba- 
bilities of accumulating a fortune at that rate did not satisfy his 
ambition. He w^as a young man of industrious habits, and had an 
idea of seeking better chances for making money than he then had. 
He engaged with the Nivers to come to Michigan and work in their 
saw-mill, which he did. 

In 1852 he concluded to engage in business for himself and 
built a store building, which is now occupied by Henry Hurt& Co., 
hardware merchants. In that building he opened the first store in 
the place. Mr. *Peter married a daughter of Ephraim Clute, and 
their pioneer residence is described by Mr. Peter as being a house 
with a kitchen, sitting room, bedroom, parlor and pantry, all in 
one room. This was the beginning of Mr. Peter's business career 
which has since been remirkable in its continuous success. The en- 
tire property at Columbia ville finally pissel into his possession, and' 
his business interests hxve largely built up the village. In 1870 he 
removed to Toledo, where he now resides, although his interests here 
continue. From a laborer at four dollars a month he has become 
one of the wealthy men of the land, his fortune reaching into mill- 



ions. This but shows the possibihties that are offered to young 
men in this free land, where the race for fortune and fame is open 
to all. 

Soon after Mr. Peter started his store, Alfred Pettit built a 
small wagon shop and worked in it for a short time. 

Not long after this Eeuben M(3Arthur erected a building for a 
store but did not use it. It was sold to John and Peter Van Dyke, 
who 'enlarged it and fitted it up for a hotel. They kept it awhile 
and sold to a man named Farrel, and it was called the Fa.rrel 
House. The name was afterwards changed to the Columbia\dlle Ex- 
change, It is stih kept as a hotel, the present proprietor being El- 
son Wait. 

About 1854 a postofiice was estabhshed, and the name Colum- 
bia was suggested by the Nivers, after their native county. There 
being another postoffice by that name in the State, some other title 
had to be given. Determined not to part with the one first sug- 
gested, they added the ville and thus secured for the place a patriotic 
and ponderous title. The first postmaster was Chancy Maxfield. 
He was succeeded by L. D. Cutting. Postmasters since then have 
been L. H. Congdon, Dennis G. Lawrence and J. L. Preston. 

For about twelve years Mr. Peter's store was the only one in 
the place, and but httle change occurred in the general complexion 
of the neighborhooi. The next step forward was in 1884, when 
Kichards Bros, built a grist-mih, the first one in the town of Mara- 
thon. This was a water mill and was operated by them a number 
of years. It is now standing an idle companion of the old saw-mill 
on the bank of the river. 

Soon after this, Thomas McDowel bmlt a store and carried on 
general merchandising, and was followed by Dr. L. H. Congdon. 

About 1865 the Protestant Methodists began to have regular 
worship and built a parsonage. The first resident preacher was 
Rev. Warren. In 1880 this society erected a neat house of wor- 
ship. 

A Baptist society was next formed but they have never built a 
church, and do not hold regular meetings. 

The Marathon Association started in -1869, and the first 
preacher was Rev. Mendenhall. In 1830 a house of worship was 
begun w^hich has recently been completed, and is called "The Peo- 
ple's Church." Rufus Pierson is president of the association and 
E. A. Brown, treasurer. 

The first physician in the village was Di. John Deming, who 
came from Oakland County. The next was Dr. L. H. Congdon 
now retired from practice and living near the village. Dr. W. B. 
Hamilton, present county treasurer, practiced here several years. 
Drs. Chamberlain and A. W. Carey were here a short time. The 
present physicians are Drs. John Wilson and Chester Carey. 

The first school in the village was taught by Ehza Griggs in a 
little shanty on the hill, called the Norwegian shanty. 

SOCIETIES. 

^tna Lodge No. 301, I. 0. 0. F., was moved from Otter 
Lake to Columbiaville. It was instituted in 1877. Meetings are 
held every Saturday evening. Officers: N. G., S. M. Colvin; V. 
G., Geo. E. Taylor; R. S., Andrew Brown; P. S., N. J. Markle; 
Treas., W. H. Hurt. 

Columbia Council No. 39, Order Chosen Friends, was organized 
in March, 1882, with forty members. First officers: P. C. C, E. 
W. Gilbert; C. C, Harris Edgerton; V. C, Henry Bristol; Sec, 
A. A. House; Treas., Di, John Wilson. Present membership, 
forty-eight; officers: C. C, Alex. Johnston ; V. C, John Cox; Sec. 
Geo. E. Taylor; Treas., Dr. John Wilson; prelate, A. M. Cutting. 

K. 0. T. M., Security Tent No. 70, was organized January 5, 
1883, with twenty-three members. Meetings are held the first 
Tuesday evening in each month. Officers: Commander, J. L. 



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140 



HISTOKY OF L^PEEE COUNTY. 



Preston; F. K., W. H. Hurt; Lt. K., Geo. E. Taylor; E. K., W. 
H. Swift; Seargt., N. J. Markle; P. C, Elson Wait. 

RIVERSIDE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION. 

March 16, 1883, the above named association was formed and 
the following officers elected: President; E. W. Gilbert; vice-presi- 
dent, A. Johnston, Sr. ; clerk, E.A.Brown; treasurer, E|)hraim 
Clute; directors, Wm. Peter, R. Pierson, John Clark, Geo. E. Taylor, 
C. H. Clute. 

The grounds chosen are to the northeast of the village of Co- 
lumbiaville about half a mile, and are beautifully situated. Nature 
has done much in the way of delightful shade trees, and the undu- 
lating nature of the ground adds greatly to its attractions. J. J. 
Watkins, surveyor of Lapeer, has surveyed out the lots and laid out 
the walks, drives and avenues in such a manner as will render the 
cemetery the most attractive in Lapeer County. 

INCORPORATION. 

The village w^as incorporated by act of legislature in ] 879. 
Hon. J. B. Mcore of Lapeer, representative at that time, had the 
matter in charge. The first meeting of trustees was held March 
24, 1879. The first president of the village was George Reed, 
who held the office two years. He was succeeded by Robert 
Armour, still in office. The clerks of the village have been as 
follows: 1). A. Brown, Harris Edgerton and George E.Taylor. 
Trustees in 1883: Alexander Johnston, Sr., E. W. Gilbert, E. A. 
Brown, Dr. John Wilson, A. L. Peabody, William HoUenbeck. 

The Rescue fire company comple*oed its organization in August, 
1883. Alexander Johnston, 8r., is chief of the department, Wilham 
McKerwin, assistant; I)r. John Wilson, secretary. 

GENERAL PROGRESS. 

Columbiaville has enjoyed its greatest prosperity since about 
the year 1878. In 1877 Mr. Alexander Johnston erected a saw^- 
inill which is employed in cutting lumber for William Peter. In 
1879 Mr. Peter erected a large steam grist and flouring-mill, near 
the railroad track, with a capacity of about one hundred and thirty 
barrels of flour a day. In 1880 he erected a handsome two story 
brick block, which is occupied with his store and business offices. 

The Columbiaville planing-mill is located on First Street in 
the village of Columbiaville, and w^as built by Alexander Johnston, 
Jr., in 1882. It is a brick structure, has a frontage of one hundred 
feet, and a depth of eighty. Its motive power is steam, and about 
fifty employes are engaged in the building. Sash, doors, blinds, 
moldings, flooring, siding, ceiling, etc., are manufactured. The 
products of the factory are shipped to the East and up the northern 
extension of the M. C. Railway. For shipping purposes the 
estahhshment is very conveniently located alongside the track of 
the D. & B. C. Railway, with which it is connected by side tracks. 

The Columbiaville News is a well edited local newspaper, 
started by John R. Beden in August, 1883. Mr. Beden is a 
journalist of many years' experience, and his paper bears evidence 
of ability and enterprise. It is an eight column folio, and is 
published Thursdays. 

The business of the village in September, 1883, may be sum- 
marized as foUow^s : Two saw-mills, one of them employing fifty 
men; two planing-mills and sash, door and blind manufactories ; 
one stave, shingle and heading manufactory; one flouring and 
custom mill; one grist-mill; one foundry and machine shop; one 
brick yard; four dry goods and general stores; one hardware store; 
two drug and grocery stores ; one furniture store ; two hotels ; tw^o 
wagon shops; one agricultural implement store; one bakery and 
grocery store; one harness shop; three blacksmith shops; three 
shoe sliopp; three millinery stores; one fancy goods store; two 



meat markets; one photograph gallery; one barber shop and one 
printing office and weekly newspaper. Besides these there are 
two doctors; one insurance agent; three painters; seven carpenters ; 
three secret societies; one band; one fire company; one architect; 
one justice of the peace ; two notary publics ; two sewing machine 
agents; four dressmakers and five stone masons. 

Plans are perfected for the erection of a large w-oolen-mill, 
which is expected to be in operation during 1884. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Ephratm Clute, the first actual settler in the towaiship of 
Marathon, was born in 1804 in the town of Saratoga, Saratoga 
County, N. Y. He was raised on a farm and lived in various 
parts of the State until 1836, when he came to Michigan, locating 
in Marathon, where he had bought land of the United States 
government. His farm comprises 160 acres, is in sections 32 and 
33, township 9 north, range 9 east, and is one of the finest in the 
township. In 1878 he became a resident of the village of 
Columbiaville, but scill continues the management of his farm. He 
served two terms as supervisor, and w^as town treasurer a number 
of years. He is now, 1883, treasurer of the village, also treasurer 
of the "People's Church" association, and the Riverside cemetery. 
He was first married in 1833 to Miss Adeha Phillips, of Wayne 
County, N. Y., by whom he had three children, one only of whom, 
a daughter, is now living. She is the wife of William Peter, Esq. 
The first Mrs. C. died in 1842, and in 1843 he was again married 
to Miss Maria Gifford, a native of eastern New York. They have 
tAvo children , a son and a daughter. 

Alfred Buroess was born in 1831 in the County of Essex, 
England. He learned the trade of fanning-mill maker. Was 
engaged in that and the furniture business at St. Osyth, near the 
city of Colchester, England. In 1856 emigrated to the United 
States, w^orked for ^ time in Schenectady, N. Y., and then w^ent to 
Burford, U. C, now Ontario. In 1858 bought some land in 
Watertown, Tuscola County. Farmed there and in Kingston, 
same county, also manufactured fanning- mills. In 1860 he came 
to Marathon Tow^nship, where he engaged in farming and was also 
a fanning-mill maker. Was in the butchering business for some 
fifteen years, relinquishing that to his son, wdio now carries it on 
in Columbiaville. In 1876 he opened a cabinet making, furniture 
and undertaking establishment in the village. He was elected a 
justice of the peace in 1877, and re-elected in 1881. When the 
village of Columbiaville was incorporated in 1879, he was elected 
assessor, and every year thereafter, has been re-elected, his last 
re-election being in the spring of 1883. Has been married twice, 
the first time to Miss Sarah Barton, of Bentiey, England, by 
whom he had four children. She died in 1874. In 1875 he was 
again married to Miss Susan Parkhurst, of Deerfield, Lapeer 
County, Mich. 

Robert Armour was born in the County of Armagh, Ireland, 
in 1827. His parents left that country when he was a few months 
old, and went to Glasgow, Scotland, where he lived until he w^as 
thirteen years of age. In 1840 they emigrated to Canada. They 
rem lined in Montreal a year, and then removed to Mount 
Vernon, in Braiitford County, Ontario. In 1870 he left there and 
came to Lapeer County, residing for a couple of months at North 
Branch, and then making Columbiaville his home. While in 
Mount Vernon he learned the trade of a shoemaker, which calling 
he has since follow^ed. In 1881 he w^as elected president cf the 
village of Columbiaville, and re-elected in the years 1882-'83. Is 
a married man and has a family of nine children, two of them, 
however, being the children of his present wife by a former husband. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



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141 



Alexander Johnston, Jr., was bom August 21, 1851, at 
Chatham, Ontario, ard came to Michigan with his parents in 
1863. He hved for the better part of the time up to 1877 at 
Lapeer. In 1877 he had a shingle-mill near Elm Creek in Deer- 
field, of which township he was clerk for two years. Was in a 
sash, door and blind factory, at West Bay City for over two years, 
and built and operated a similar establishment at Oxford, Oakland 
County. Came to Columbiaville in 1882, where he has built a 
large brick, sash," door and blind factory, in which are employed 
some fifty men. He was married in 1881 to Miss Mary Warren, 
a native of Illinois, but a resident of Lapeer at that time. They 
have had two children, only one of whom, a son, is now living. 
Mr. Johnston is a live, stirring business man, and as an employer 
and otherwise does much to aid in the growth and prosperity of the 
village in which he lives. 

John Wilson, M. D., was born in Northamptonshire, England, 

1830. He commenced his medical studies in Stamford, England, 
before emigrating to the United States, which he did in 1849. He 
at first went to Wisconsin, and lived for some time in Milwaukee 
and Grand Prairie. He left that State and went to Syracuse, N.Y., 
graduating from the Syracuse Medical College in 1853. The doctor 
also graduated at the New York Medical College in 1854, and Phila- 
delphia Medical University in 1855. Li 1863 he walked the Great 
Ormond Street Hospital, London, England. He practiced there 
and was also principal business manager of the American College of 
Pharmacy in that city. In 1856 he removed to Fond duLac, Wis., 
where he remained until 1860. Inthelatter year he returned to Eng- 
land and followed his profession in the city of Nottingham until 1875. 
In June of that year he returned to the United States, and came to 
Lapeer, Mich. He remained in that city until 1879 when he re- 
moved to the village of Columbiaville. He holds the following vil- 
lage offices: member of the board of trustees, director for the 
schools and health officer; is also school inspector for the township of 
Marathon. In 1849 he was married to Kosanna Eevill, of Donning- 
ton, England, by whom he had six children, all of whom are living. 
She died in 1876 and in 1881 he was married to Lizzie HoUinshead, 
a native of Marathon Township. 

Edwin W. Gilbert was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., in 

1831. He received a common school education. In 1849 he went 
to Flint, Mich., and until 1865 followed the trade of a carpenter 
and joiner. In 1865 he engaged in the cattle business, which he 
continued at until 1867 when he became a merchant at Mount 
Morris, Genesee County. He remained there until 1874 when he 
entered the employ of Page & Benson, afterward Tanner & Sherman, 
at Otter Lake, Lapeer County. In 1880 he came to Columbiaville 
and took the management of William Peter's extensive mercantile 
establishment. He was elected a justice of the peace in 1880, and 
is a member of the board of trustees and one of the directors of the 
schools of the village. He was married in 1851 to Miss Frances 
Martin, a native of New York State. He is a gentleman who has 
gained the esteem of the community in which he lives by his cour- 
teous treatment of all with whom he has either business or personal 
intercourse. 



VILLAGE OF OTTER LAKE. 

This village is situated in the extreme western part of the 
township of Marathon, and upon the south and east bank« of Otter 
Lake, from which body of water it derives its name. It contains a 
population of about four hundred and is rapidly growing both in 
population and business. The Detroit & Bay City branch of the 
Michigan Central, and the Otter Lake division of the Flint and 
Pere Marquette Railways cross at this point. 



EARLY HISTORY. 

The land upon which Otter Lake village is built was originally 
owned by the late Gerritt Smith, and was a part of a tract of 6,000 
acres of pine land. This tract was purchased by C. B. Benson, of 
Oswego, N. Y., and the firm of Page & Benson was formed for the 
purpose of manufacturing the pine into lumber. 

In the fall of 1871 Mr. S. 0. Sherman, still a resident of the 
village, arrived upon this site with a crew of men for the purpose of 
commencing operations. He came here to superintend the work 
and as the business representative of Page & Benson. He com- 
menced at once the work of clearing and also putting in logs. In 
February the construction of a saw-mill was begun. In the mean- 
time about 6,000,000 feet of logs had been put in. The mill was 
completed and put in operation the following July. 

THE VILLAGE IN 1873. 

Otter Lake village was described, in 1873, as follows: 

Otter Lake, the new town in the wilderness, is the"present ter- 
minus of the Flint River Railroad, and the point at which it inter- 
sects with the Detroit & Bay City Railway. The town is situated 
on the little lake, by the same name, just across the line of Genesee 
County, in the township of Marathon, Lapeer County. The town 
has been platted with streets 100 feet wide, running north and 
south and east and west, into twenty-five blocks, and some frac- 
tional portions.'^ The [blocks are oblong in shape, 200x400 feet, 
and divided into eight lots 100 feet square. The town thus pre- 
sents an oblong square, with its side to the lake. Page & Benson 
will begin the sale of lots in May. The town contains the exten- 
sive saw-mill, store, boarding house, shops and numerous cottages 
of the workmen, all built and belonging to Page & Benson, and the 
Fhnt River Railroad engine house, a part^of which is used at pres- 
ent for a depot. All the buildings are neatly finished and painted. 
Messrs. Page & Benson intend to immediately erect a school-house, 
and have a school therein this season. The principal street (Sher- 
man Street), named after Mr. S. 0. Sherman, Page & Benson's 
manager, is the one upon which the mill and store are situated. 
The only fault that any one could find with the little place, is the 
way in which it is cut up by the railroads, crossing at right angles 
nearly in the center of the town and extending diagonally across the 
blocks, one going on one side of the lake, and the other on the op- 
posite side. Page & Benson's store is a neat two story building, 
24x75 feet in size, with a most excellent cellar. The first floor 
and cellar are used for store and office purposes, the second fioor is 
used by Mr. Sherman as a residence. The building is fitted up 
with all the conveniences of our best city stores and residences. An 
addition 14x15 feet is now being added for more store room. Hay 
scales have recently been put up near the store. 

Page & Benson are entirely rebuilding their mill this winter 
and spring, and have it nearly completed. It will then be two 
stories high, 70x140 feet, with a boiler house 34x60 feet, and a 
filing room 20x30 feet. Their machinery consists of one stock 
gang — 40 saws, one stock gang — 32 saws, one of Stern & Co's 
largest circulars, one muley, one panel machine, one gang lath ma- 
chine, one picket machine, two slash saws, two butting saws, one 
gang slab cutter and two of Munn & Co's patent gang edgers. 

These gentlemen own 6,000 acres of pine land about Otter 
Lake, and only about 500 of it is cut. They have employed 250 men 
and 70 teams in the woods and about their mill this winter, and have 
put in 13,000,000 feet of logs, or in other words the entire surface 
of Otter Lake — estimated to contain 100 acres — is covered with logs 
so that you can walk from one end of the lake to the other on 
them. 

Messrs. Page & Benson with characteristic liberality, and in 






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142 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



order that the educational wants of the children may he immedi^ 
ately attended to, have commenced to hiiild a school-house 30x46 
feet in size, the estimated cost of which is §1,500. 

Eeligious services are held here every Sunday, the dining-hall 
of the hoarding-house heing used for that x^urpose. 

RECORDED PLAT. 

The plat mentioned was only a preliminary one, the perma- 
nent one heing made in 1874, and recorded in June of that year. 
This covered ahout forty acres, in the north fractional half of 
section 7. 

Ea-riy in 1878 a postoffice was estabhshed, and Norman M. 
Stark was appointed postmaster. He held the office until April, 
1880, when he was succeeded by E. J. Tanner, the present incum- 
bent. 

In 1872 the Otter Lake division of the Fhnt & Pere Mar- 
quette Railroad was built, and the Detroit & Bay City Road about 
a year later. 

In 1874 Mr. C. B. Benson succeeded the firm of Page & Ben- 
son. He sold the store to Tanner Bros, in 1876, and the mill to 
W. C. Cummings in 1880. July, 1888, he sold his entire remaining 
interests to S. 0. Sherman. The store is now owned by the firm of 
Tanner, Sherman & Stark. 

In 1879 W. C. Cummings moved his saw-mill from the town 
of Milhngton, Tuscola County, to Otter Lake, which he still oper- 
ates. He has converted the Page & Benson mill into a planing- 
mill. 

The first hotel in the vihage was the Benson House, built in 
1875, by S. J. Lewis. It was burned in the fire of April, 1881. 

Mr. Sherman manufactured, at this point, about 70,000,000 
feet of lumber. The pine was of a very choice quality, and the 
lumber manufactured of a high grade. 

About 1876 the sale of cut-over land, for farming purposes, 
began, although there was not much sold prior to 1879. Since 
that time nearly the whole tract has been sold that is suitable for 
agricultural purposes, and good farms are being made. 

April 2, 1881, the village was visited by a destructive fire which 
threatened to blot out the entire village. It originated in a pile of 
lumber, and before it could be checked, had consumed about 70,000 
feet of lumber and nine dwellings. 

The second store in the village was started in 1882, by Harris & 
McCormick. 

The first brick building was built in 1881. 
The first physician in the village was Dr. Curtis, now of May- 
viUe, Tuscola County. The physicians in 1888 are Drs. Davis and 
Elliott. 

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The United Presbyterian Society, of Otter Lake, was organized 
April 17, 1880. At first, services were held in the village school- 
house, but in 1881 measures were taken for the purpose of build- 
ing a place of worship. Work on the present building was be- 
gun in the fall of 1881, and February 22, 1882, it was dedicated. 
Rev. John B. Wilson w^as installed as pastor at the time, and has 
continued as such up to the time of this writing. Services are held 
every alternate Sabbath. 

Rev. John B. Wilson was born in London, U. C. (now Ont.), 
in 1828. He received a classical education at the grammar school 
in that city. In 1847 he went to Frankhn College at Athens, 0., 
from which institution he graduated in 1850. He then attended 
the Associated Presbyterian Theological Institute at Cannonsburgh, 
Pa., graduating therefrom in 1854. In 1855 he was ordained at 
London, and had a country congregation near that place, to whom 
he ministered for some twelve years. In 1867 he came to Michi- 



gan and was a missionary in Huron County for four years. He 
then accepted a call to Almont, Lapeer County, where he remained 
for eight years. In 1880 he took charge of the United Presbyte- 
rian congregations at Otter Lake and Fair Grove, Tuscola County, 
preaching alternate Sundays to each. In 1851 he was married to 
Sarah J. Patton, a native of Ohio. They have two children, a son 
and daughter. 

cummings' sash, door and blind factory 

Was built in 1882, and is located in Otter Lake- village, on the 
bank of the lake of the same name. It is run by steam power; 
employs about twelve men. The product is shipped abroad. It is 
owned by W. C. Cummings. 

morning star flouring -mills. 

These mills were built in 1878 by the Tanner Brothers, and 
are now owned by Tanner, Sherman & Stark, Milo J. Tanner 
having sold his interest in them in 1881. They are located on the 
south side of the lake, and are in Otter Lake village. They have 
four run of stones, a double set of rolls, are run by steam and do a 
merchant business. They have a capacity of seventy-five barrels 
per day. 0. Beckwith is the head miller. 

The Otter Lake House was partially built by A. D. Black 
for a saloon. About 1880, John Rodman made additions to the 
building and fitted it up as a hotel of which he is still proprietor. 

THE OTTER LAKE TELEGRAM. 

The Teleijram was started by its present proprietor, T. W. 
Smithson, in Otisville, Genesee County, five miles west of its pres- 
ent location, October 28, 1880. Its size then was a four column 
folio. At the third issue it was increased by the addition of two 
pages. At the end of the second month its size w^as again increased 
by the addition of two more pages. April 6, 1881, the form was 
changed to that of a six column folio. During this time the price 
of subscription remained s t one dollar. January, 1882, the office 
was removed to Otter Lake where it has since been published. Mr. 
Smithson, the editor and proprietor, is a Canadian by birth and has 
held important situations in some of the principal newspaper and 
job printing offices in Ontario. The Telegraw as at present pub- 
lished, contains twenty-eight columns, the entire work upon it being 
done at the home office. AH the work of the office is being done by 
members of the proprietor's family. The paper is one of the best 
weekly papers in the State and has an unusually large circulation. 
Politically it is independent. 

INDIAN burying GROUND. 

Otter Lake was unquestionably a favorite resort of the early in- 
habitants of this region. Indian remains have been unearthed at 
this point, and other evidences discovered which indicate that an 
Indian burying ground was located here. The following statement 
w^as made in May, 1878: 

"Further excavations under the mill have exposed more Indian 
remains, among which were some interesting relics. There is every 
indication that there was a burying ground here. Yesterday, por- 
tions of three skeletons were found, also some pottery and other 
articles. The bones were unusually large. A skull, large, but of a 
very low type of intellect, the forehead being only about one and 
one-fourth inches high and receding back abruptly, giving about 
two-thirds animal and one -third intellectual, was also found. One 
thigh bone measured nineteen inches in length. The pottery was 
evidently sun-dried, globular, oval, with flanged mouth, ornamented 
with hieroglyphic indentations, somewhat resembhng the ancient 
Assyrian arrow-headed writing spoken of by Col. Layard. The 
largest vessel was about one foot high and eight inches in circum- 
ference. This contained three other smaller vessels. The sand 'sur- 
rounding it was a reddish hue, owing probably to the war paint 
which may have been placed along with a defunct warrior. These 



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Al! 



Al, 



HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



143 



crumbled to pieces on being touched, and nothing now remains of 
a nest of these articles but some fragments, owing to the action of 
the air on exposure. The bone, seemingly spear-head, about nine 
inches in length, one inch in width, barbed on one side half the 
length, and notched at tie opposite end, to secure it to the handle, 
was found. This may have been used in the chase; possibly in- 
stead of being a spear it may have served as a trolling lure and 
hook to catch pickerel in the lake. Over these remains, and three 
feet under the surface, is a portion of pine log, and the roots of 
trees interwoven above them foster the idea that centuries have 
elapsed since these were deposited there. When animated they were 
perhaps coeval with Columbus or the notche triste of Cortez, Bernard 
Diaz and Barba Gorca. The greater portion of these will be sent 
to the Flint Institute, where the public will have a chance to see 
them." 

LOOKING TOWAKD THE FUTURE. 

The business men of the village appear hopeful of its future, 
and are interesting themselves in "aiding general progress. In Sep- 
tember, 1883, application was made to the board of supervisors for 
an order to incorporate, which, at this writing, has not been acted 
upon. 

The growth of the place has been principally confined to the 
past two years, and at the present time there seems to be a general 
spirit of improvement and enterprise. 

The situation of the village is favorable. Otter Lake is an at- 
tractive feature of its location, and the surrounding country is well 
adapted to fruit-growing and general farming purposes. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Sylvestee 0. Sherman, the oldest resident of Otter Lake vil- 
lage, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., in 1828. His parents re- 
moved to Jefferson County in 1835, where he remained until 1848. 
He thcD lived in Oswego until 1871, lumbering in Canada part of 
the time. In 1871 he came to Lapeer County to manage the lum- 
ber business of Page & Benson, afterward C. B. Benson. In 1878 
he became a member of the firm of Tanner & Sherman, now known 
as Tanner, Sherman & Stark, of Otter Lake. Married in 1852 to 
Martha D. Hart, of Herkimer County, N. Y. They have two chil- 
dren living. In July, 1883, Mr. Sherman purchased the remaining 
interest of Mr. Benson at Otter Lake, and is selling the cut-over 
lands for farming purposes. Mr. Sherman's connection with the 
first beginning and growth of the village have already been 
mentioned. 

William C. Cummings was born in Plint, Mich., in 1840. Was 
educated at the Flint High School. Was in the drug business in 
that city from 1861 until 1874, when he came to Otter Lake, Lapeer 
Comity, and went into lumbering. He has built saw and shingle- 
mills, also a sash, door and blind factory, in all of which lines he 
does an extensive business. He also has farms in Genesee and 
Tuscola Counties, in all some 800 acres, of which 400 are improved. 
Is also connected with the charcoal works operated in connection 
with the Peninsular Iron Works, of Detroit. In short, Mr. Cum- 
mings is one of the most active and enterprising men in Otter 
Lake, and to him the prosperity of that flourishing village is mainly 
due. He was married in 1866 to Miss Mary E. Begole, the only 
daughter of J. W. Begole, of Flint, the present governor of the 
State of Michigan. They have a family of five children. 

Edwin J. Tanner was born in Orleans, Jefferson County, N.Y., 
in 1850. Eeceived an academic education. Taught school in 
Canada for some time. In 1872 came to Otter Lake, where he was 
in the employ of Page & Benson and C. B. Benson until 1878. In 
the early part of that year went into business with his brother. 



Milo J. Tanner, the firm being Tanner Bros. They did a general 
mercantile trade. In the fall of 1878 they built the "Morning 
Star" flouring-mills. His brother retired from the firm in 1881, 
and a new firm, known as Tanner & Sherman, was formed, to 
which, in 1882, N. M. Stark was added, making the firm Tanner, 
Sherman & Stark. Mr. Tanner was appointed postmaster of Otter 
Lake in 1880, and is also agent of the American Express Company. 
Has been a justice of the peace and superintendent of schools. 
Married in 1878 to Miss Carrie L. Carleton. They have two 
daughters. 

James A. Van Vranken, blacksmith, was born in Lockport, 
Niagara County, ISl. Y., in 1843. His family left there in 1846, 
and came to Lapeer County, Mich. They lived for three years in 
Lapeer Township, and in 1849 went to Elba, where he remained 
until he was twenty-one years of age. Learned the trade of a 
blacksmith in Hadley. In 1871 came to Marathon and started a 
shop. In 1874 he located in 'that part of the last named township, 
now known as Otter Lake, where he worked for C. B. Benson six 
years, when he started a shop of his own. In 1881 he was elected 
assessor of School District No. 7. Married in 1866 to Miss Eliza 
Wadley. They have three children. He was the first blacksmith 
in the village. 

Murdoch L. Davis, M. D., was born in Newmarket, York 
County, Ont., in 1850. Was at the Normal School, Toronto, in 
1868-'9. Commenced the study of medicine in 1873 at Wark- 
worth, and attended Trinity College, Toronto, from 1874 to 1877, 
when he graduated. Came to Lapeer County that year, and prac- 
ticed in Almont Township for five years. Eemoved to Otter Lake, 
Marathon Township, in 1882. Married in 1877 to Miss Annette 
Morton, of Almont, They have one child — a son. 

Jonas Mc Alpine was born in the township of Sarnia, Lambton 
County, Ont., in 1850. His father was a farmer, and he worked 
for him until he was twenty-one. years of age, the last four years in 
-Watertown, Tuscola County, Mich., whither his father had moved 
From 1871 until 1874 he worked in the lumber woods and at 
the stave business. In the latter year he began business as a 
wagonmaker and manufacturer of peavey and cant hook handles, 
river poles, etc. In 1878 he discontinued wagon-making, and de- 
voted his attention exclusively to the other branch of his business. 
In 1880 he removed from Watertown to Otter Lake village. He 
employs four men, and finds a ready market for the jDroduct of his 
factory on the Saginaw Eiver. He was married in 1875 to Miss 
Hattie E. Felton, of Watertown. They have two children. 

Orlow Beckwith was born in Watertown, Jefferson County, 
N. Y., in 1848. Was brought up on a farm in Orleans, same 
county, and lived with his father until he was twenty-one years of 
age. Taught school for four years. In December, 1878, he came 
to Otter Lake, where he learned the trade of a miller, under instruc- 
tions from Z. B. Church, in the mills of Tanner Bros. He is now 
head miller for Tanner, Sherman & Stark. Was married in 1870 
to Miss Sylvia T<inner, of Orleans, N. Y. They have one child — a 
daughter. 

Carpenter & Lloyd, dealers in drugs, stationery, tobacco, 
cigars, etc.. Otter Lake, Micb. This firm is composed of Perley L. 

Carpenter and Simeon H. Lloyd. Perley L. Carpenter was born 

in 1858 at Poultney, Yt. His parents removed to Caro, Mich., in 
1871, in the common schools of which place he was educated. Was 
in the drug store of Washburn & Cooper five years, and then went 
into the same business as a partner in the firm of Schottle & Car- 
penter. In May, 1882, formed a partnership with Mr. Lloyd, and 
they purchased the drug stock of Tanner & Sherman, transferring it 

to another store. Stmeon H. Lloyd was born in 1860 in York 

County, Ont. Was born on a farm, but his parents .moved to the 



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144 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



village of Kattleby. "Was an attendant at the Friends' College at 
Pickering, Ont. Came to Otter Lake in 1882, and became a mem- 
ber of the firm of Carpenter & Lloyd. 



PIERSONVILLE. 

The building of saw-mills on the Fhnt River, in section 82, 
about the year 1850, gave birth to a lumbering village, which 
flourished during the time that pine was being cut in that region. 
The name of the postoffice was Marathon, but as the place declined 
that name was discontinued. The neighborhood is now known as 
Piersonville. 

RuFus PiERsoN was born in 1811, in the town of Sharon, 
Schoharie County, l^.Y. Was brought up on a farm in his early 
days, and afterward learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he fol- 
lowed for a number of years in Otsego County, N. Y. In Novem- 
ber, 1858, he came to Marathon, and resides at Piersonville, at one 
time known as Marathon Postoffice. He farms eighty acres 
on section 22, township 9 north, range 9 east. Also acts as 
agent for the White estate. He held the postmastership at 
Marathon for thirteen years, when it was discontinued. In 1889 
he was married to Miss Abigail Weaver, of Otsego County, N. Y., 
by whom he had a son and daughter. Mrs. Pierson and the son 
died in 1882, and the daughter is now hvmg in Pennsylvania. 

TmCKSTUN's SHINGLE -Mmn. 

This mill was built a number of years ago, but in 1882 was re- 
modeled and rebuilt by J. C. Thickstuu, of Lapeer. It is run by 
steam; has a Hall shingle machine ; makes about 80,000 shingles 
per day, and employs ten men. It is located on the Fhnt River, 
near Piersonville, and is under the management of C. H. Cliff. 

Charles H. Cliff, superintendent of J. C. Thickstun's shingle- 
mill, near Piersonvihe, was born in Picton, Ont., in 1849; came 
to the United States in 1865, and has since been a resident of Ore- 
gon and Marathon Townships, Lapeer County. Has always 
followed the shingle manufactuiing business, both here and in 
Ogemaw County. Is now a resident of Piersonvihe, having located 
there in the early part of the year 1888. 

William Hollinshead is a native of Lincolnshire, England, 
and was born February 22, 1888. Learned the trade of a butcher 
in his native land. In 1854 came to the United States, since which 
time he has owned a homestead at Piersonville, Marathon Town- 
ship, Lapeer County. For some twenty years he was employed in 
saw-mills at Piersonville, Forest, Otter Lake, Bay City, etc. He has 
also followed carpentering and farming, and is now engaged in the 
latter pursuit. He was married in 1854 to Miss Elizabeth Rook, a 
native of England. They have two sons and two daughters Hving. 



TOWN OFFICERS. 

1839— Supervisor, Horace N. Lathrop; clerk, Silas D. McKeen; 
collector, Martin Volentine. 

1840— Supervisor, Horace N. Lathrop; clerk, Jonathan Sils- 
bury; treasurer, Abraham Hollenbeck; 19 votes polled. 

1841— Supervisor, Abijah Willey; clerk, Jabez Loomis; treas- 
urer, Dciniel Clark; 21 votes polled. 

1842— Supervisor, Horace N. Lathrop; clerk, Reuben McAr- 
thur; treasurer, Jacob Hollenbeck; 27 votes polled. 

1848— Supervisor, Reuben McArthur; clerk, Jonathan Sils- 
bury; treasurer, Seth Willey; 28 votes polled. 

1844— Supervisor, Reuben McArthur; clerk, Jacob Hollen- 
beck; treasurer, Daniel Clark; 88 votes polled. 

1845— Supervisor, Jacob Hollenbeck; clerk, Reuben McAr- 
thur; treasurer; Lafayette Warren; 80 votes polled. 



1846— Supervisor, Jacob Hollenbeck; clerk, Richard Clute; 
treasurer, Evart Clute; 84 votes polled. 

1847— Supervisor, Jacob HoDenbeck; clerk, Richard Clute; 
treasurer, Evart Clute ; 86 votes polled. 

1848— Supervisor, Reuben McArthur; clerk, Jacob Hollen- 
beck; treasurer, Evart Clute; 81 votes polled. 

1849— Supervisor, Reuben McArthur; clerk, Jacob Hollen- 
beck; treasurer, Andrew Farrell; 37 votes polled. 

1850— Supervisor, Jacob Hollenbeck; clerk, Palmer Carpenter; 
treasurer, John Stanley ; 87 votes polled. 

1851— Supervisor, Jacob Hollenbeck; clerk, Chancey Max- 
field ; treasurer, John Blue ; 40 votes polled. 

1852— Supervisor, John Pierson; clerk, S.H.Miller; treas- 
urer, N. Hemingway; 49 votes polled. 

1858 — Supervisor, John Pierson; clerk, Reuben McArthur; 
treasurer, Ephraim Clute; 48 votes polled. 

1854— Supervisor, Jacob Hollenbeck; clerk, Wilham "W. 
Brown; treasurer, Palmer Carpenter; 76 votes polled. 

1855- Supervisor, John Pierson; clerk, Andrew Farrell ; treas- 
urer, Evart Clute; 95 votes polled. 

1856— Supervisor, John Pierson; clerk, Jacob Hollenbeck; 
treasurer, E. Clute. 

1857— Supervisor, E. Clute; clerk, Peter Van Dyke; treasurer, 
George H. Kilbourn. 

1858— Supervisor, E. Clute; clerk, Peter Van Dyke; treasurer, 
A. F. Richards; 101 votes polled. 

1859— Supervisor, H. L. Hemingway; clerk, John Clark; 
treasurer, Andrew Aurand. 

I860 — Supervisor, Henry L. Hemingway; clerk, Hiram D. 
Tower; treasurer, Andrew Aurand; 121 votes polled. 

1861— Supervisor, Jacob Hollenbeck; clerk, Reuben McAr- 
thur; treasurer, Ciiancey Maxfield. 

1862— Supervisor, Reuben McArthur; clerk, Levi McArthur; 
treasurer, E. Clute. 

1868— Supervisor, Henry L. Hemingway: clerk, Levi McAr- 
thur; treasurer, William Hollenbeck. 

1864— Supervisor, Benjamin J. Harris; clerk, Levi McAr- 
Arthur; treasurer, John Davis. 

1865— Supervisor, Benjamin J. Harris; clerk, Levi McArthur ; 
treasurer, E. Clute. 

1866— Supervisor, Benjamin J. Harris; clerk, Levi McArthur; 
treasurer. Nelson K. Lawrence. 

1867— Supervisor, Levi McArthur; clerk, Jacob Hollenbeck; 
treasurer, A. Willey, Jr. 

1868-^Supervisor, Levi McArthur; clerk. Nelson K. Lawrence; 
treasurer, A. Willey, Jr. 

1869— Supervisor, Levi McArthur, treasurer, Benjamin J. 
Harris, clerk, John E. Deming. 

1870- Supervisor, Levi McArthur; treasurer, Benjamin J. 
Harris; clerk, Munson Grover. 

1871— Supervisor, Levi McArthur; treasurer, Benjamin J. 
Harris; clerk, J. T. Wheeler. 

1872— Supervisor, Benjamin J. Harris; treasurer, Reuben 
McArthur; clerk, J. T. Wheeler. 

1878 — Supervisor, Benjamin J. Harris; treasurer, George 
Le Valley; clerk, Oscar F. Hunnywell. 

1874— Supervisor, Benjamin J. Harris; treasurer, Reuben 
McArthur; clerk, Oscar F. Hunnywell. 

1875— Supervisor, Benjamin J. Harris; treasurer, E. Clute; 
clerk, Oscar F. Hunnyw^ell. 

1876— Supervisor, Levi McArthur; treasurer, Benjamin J. 
Harris; clerk, Alison W. Whijipie. 






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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



145 



1877— Supervisor, Jacob Hollenbeck; treasurer, George Eook, 
clerk, JobnL. Preston. 

1878 — Supervisor, Jacob Hollenbeck; clerk, Jobn L. Preston; 
treasurer, George Rook. 

1879 — Supervisor, Jacob Hollenbeck; clerk, John L. Preston; 
treasurer, George Rook. 

1880 — Supervisor, Levi McArthur; treasurer, James E. Rich- 
mond; clerk, John L. Preston. 

1881 — Supervisor, Jacob Hollenbeck; treasurer, James E. 
Richmond; clerk, Harris Edgerton. 

1882 — Supervisor, James E. Richmond; treasurer, John 
Davis; clerk, Robert Armour. 

1888 — Supervisor, James E. Richmond; treasurer, Irving 
McArthur; clerk, Robert Armour. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Isaac L. Hemingway was born in Oakland Township, Oakland 
County, Mich., in 1836. Has always been engaged in farming and 
lumbering. In 1866, in company with his father and brother, built 
a steam saw-mill in the township of Marathon on a small stream 
that empties into the Flint River. Ran the mill until 1881 when 
they sold it. He has been a commissioner of highways and drain 
commissioner, and is now serving his second term as justice of the 
peace. He is a member of the State lish commisson and also State 
crop correspondent. He lives on section 9, township 9 north, range 
9 east, where he has 160 acres, 100 of which are cleared. In 1861 he 
was married to Mary A, Summers, of Oakland Township. They 
have three children, one son and two daughters. 

WiLLEY A. Clute w^as born in the township of Marathon, 
Lapeer County, in 1852, February 25. Was brought up on a farm 
and is now cultivating some seventy acres of land situated in sections 
21 and 16, tow^nship 9 nortb, range 9 east, fifty acres of which are 
improved. He was married in 1875 to Miss Martha A. Hollenbeck, 
w^ho was born in Marathon, in 1858. They have three children, 
two sons and a daughter. 

Edw^ard T. Harris w^as born in the township of Lapeer, 
Lapeer County, in 1815. Has always followed farming aud liuii- 
bering. Came to Marathon in 1864. Has held the offices of 
superintendent of schools, highway commissioner, etc., and is now, 
1883, assessor of School District No. 1. Lives on section 17, town- 
ship 9 north, range 9 east, where he has a farm of eighty acres, 
forty-five improved. Was married in 1876 to Miss Ahce Fox, of 
Rich, Lapeer County. They have one child, a daughter. 

Benjamin J. Harris was born in Boston, Mass., 1818. In his 
youth he became a sailor, which avocation he followed until 1841 
when he came to Michigan, settling in Lapeer To'v^nship and county. 
In 1864 he removed to Marathon. Daring his residence in 
the latter township he held the office of supervisor a number of 
years, was town collector and a justice of the peace for many years. 
He was married in 1842 to Miss Sophia Hollenbeck. They had six 
children, five of whom are now living. He died in 1881, and the 
widow is now a resident of Jolumbiaville, where she lives with one 
of her children. 

Leander Le Valley was born in 1819 in Royalton, Niagara 
County, N.Y. His father . loved his family to Lockport when Leander 
was but a boy, and father and son were afterward both engaged in the 
lime-burning business. He spent eighteen months in Canada in 
1843-'44, burning lime used in the construction of the Welland 
Canal. In 1845 he came to Michigan, bought 155 acres of land in 
section 35, township 9 north, range 9 east, and commenced the 
work of clearing up a farm. He next brought his family into the 
township, and his neighborhood in Marathon is known as the 



"Le Valley Settlement," also as "Lockport Street." Has been a 
school director, commissioner of highways, etc. Married in 1842 
to Miss Elizabeth Cutting, a native of Vermont. They have four 
sons and three daughters now living. The eldest son was a mem- 
ber of the T wen fcy- third Michigan Infantry and now lives in Fair- 
grove, Tuscola County. Mr. LeV alley for many years was an exten- 
sive himberman in Lapeer County. His last job was putting in 
some 15,000,000 feet of logs for parties in Flint. 

Frank McGarry was born in the county of Leitrim, Ireland, 
in 1828. Came to the United States in 1849. He lived in Niag- 
ara and Allegany Counties, N. Y., until 1855, wdien he came to 
Marathon. While in New^ York State fohow^ed farming and lum- 
bering. Has been a farmer since he came to Michigan. His farm 
of 120 acres is in section 2, township 9 north, range 9 east. He 
has been a jastice of the peace, also highway commissioner for 
about twelve years. Was married in 1852 to Ellen Farrell, a na- 
tive of Ireland. They have two sons and a daughter. 

David Marvin Simmons was born in Hastings County, Ontario, 
in 1840. In 1864 he came to Lapeer County, Mich., locating at 
North Branch. From there he went to Otisville, Oenesee County, 
and then to Fostoria, Tuscola County, where he had the manage- 
ment of Thomas Foster's farm. Was there from 1874 until 1879, 
when he bought a farm in Marathon, wdiich lies in section 1, township 
9 north, range 9 east, and contains eighty acres. He was married 
in 1869 to Miss Susan Jamieson, a native of Canada. In addition 
to farming, Mr. Simmons has also been engaged in lumbering since 
he came to Michigan. 

William H. Aurand, farmer, was born in 1840, in Wayne 
County, N. Y. Came with his parents in 1843 to Marathon, La- 
peer County, where they went on land in section 17, township 9 
north, range 9 east, and cleared up a farm. The son, William IL, 
now lives on the adjoining farm east of his father's place. He has 
eighty acres, of which fifty-five are cleared, three of which are a fine 
apple orchard. Held the oflice of town treasurer in 1880. In 1868 
was married to Miss Mary A. Adams, a native of Vermont. They 
have two children, sons. 

Joseph T. Wheeler was born in 1841 in the township of Oak- 
land, Oakland County, Mich. Was brought up on his father's farm 
and received his education in the township schools and at the high 
school at Flint. Was a clerk for three years, 1861 -'64, in Ben- 
jamin Cotharin's store at the last named place, then built a store at 
Davisburg, and was in general mercantile business for about a year. 
In 1866 bought land in Marathon and turned his attention to farm- 
ino-. He has seventy -nine acres in sections 20 and 17, tow^nship 9 
north, range 9 east. Has served as town clerk and justice of the 
peace. In addition to carrying on his farm, practices law and does 
business as an auctioneer. He was married to iVIiss Elizabeth 
Aurand in 1865. They have four sons and one daughter. 

Jacob Hollenbeck, who is one of the first settlers in Marathon, 
was born in Hudson, N. Y., in 1820. He came to Michigan with 
his father in 1837. His farms, which are in sections 83, 21 and 19, 
township 9 north, range 9 east, contain 325 acres. He held the 
office of supervisor for about twelve years, also was for a number of 
terms justice of the peace, highway commissioner, etc. He was 
married in 1842 to Miss Harriet Clute by whom he had seven chil- 
dren. After her demise he was married again in 1861 to Miss Emily 
Vcrmilya. They have two daughters. 

EicHARD A. Clute Avas born in Victor, near Kochester, N. Y., 
in 1807. He came to Michigan in 1840, bought land of the gov- 
ernment and settled in Marathon Township, Lapeer County. When 
he came to Marathon he followed an Indian trail to his land which 
was in section 29, township 9 north, range 9 east. During his hfe- 
time he held the office of supervisor and several other tow^nship 






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146 



HIBTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



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offices. Mrs^ Phoebe A. Clute,who survives him, was married to him 
in 1851. They had four children, two of whom are now hving. 
She was a native of Galen, Wayne County, N. Y. She was born 
in 1825, and came to Michigan in 1850. Mr. Clute had three chil- 
dren by a previous wife. Mrs. Clute sold the farm in 1882 and 
bought a place on the line of the D. & B. C. division of the M. C. 
Kailroad, about two miles from Otter Lake. 

Sela Leach was born in J3arton Township, Wentworth County, 
Ontario, in 1818. Learned the trade of a shoemaker and worked 
at it for some sixteen years previous to coming to Michigan. He 
located on section 35, township 9 north, range 9 east, township of 
Marathon, in 1856. Has been director of schools, etc. In 1843 
he married Miss Mary Vermilya, a native of Brantford Township, 
Brant County, Ontario. They have had six children, of whom four 
are now living. William and Milton, sons, live in Marathon, and 
George in Oregon Township. Eosa, the daughter, lives at home 
with her parents. 

John Clark was born in the town of Benton, Yates County, 
N. Y., in the year 1824. When he was two years old his parents 
moved to Albany, N. Y. At the age of five, on the death of his 
father, he went with his mother to Columbia County, N. Y., and 
lived with his uncle until he was twenty-two years old. At the age 
of twenty-six he came to Michigan. Keturning to Yates County, 
he remained there one year, then came to Michigan. He was mar- 
ried in 1851 to Eliza A. McArthur, who was born in Wayne County 
N. Y'., in 1833. They have ten children, five sons and five daugh- 
ters. The sons are Charles S., John, Keuben T., Andrew and Willie. 
The daughters, Martha A., Lucy, Mary, Lillie and Delia. 

Mr. Clark w^as one of the first settlers in the town of Marathon, 
Lapeer County, settling on the farm where he now resides, a mile 
from the village of Columbiaville. This farm has one of the finest 
of locations and is under a high state of cultivation with a beautiful 
residence and fine surroundings, a view of which will be found on 
another page of this work. 

Mr. Clark is one of the influential men of the town and has 
held various town offices. Is at the present time treasurer of 'the 
Lapeer County Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Association. 

George Eook was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1829. 
His father was a farmer, and he with him, also, was engaged in 
running a threshing machine. In 1852 he came to the township of 
Marathon. He was at first employed as engineer in the steam saw- 
mill at Piersonville, where he remained some years. He then held 
the same position in Tomer's saw- mill, near Columbiaville, and 
when it was removed to Crawford Lake, Forest, Genesee County, 
was also engineer of it. He has also been engaged in farming in 
several parts of Marathon, first on land two miles from Piersonville, 
afterward on section 16, then on section 30. In 1874 he went to 
Columbiaville and started a blacksmith and wagon shop, also sold 
agricultural implements. Had a blacksmith shop where he lived oil 
section 30. In 1878 he moved on to forty acres he owned in sec- 
tion 28, township 9 north, range 9 east, to which he after- 
ward added forty acres adjoining. In 1877-78 he was township 
treasurer, in 1879, township clerk, and in 1880 drain commissioner. 
In 1882 he was elected highway commissioner and re-elected in 
1883. In 1866 he was married to Miss Eosa Clapp, of Genesee 
County, Mich. They have had two children, daughters, of whom 
one, who now lives with her parents, is the only survivor. In 1876 
he made a trip to his old home in England, returning in tiie spring 
of 1877. 

Abijah Willey was born in Savannah, Wayne County, N. Y., 
in 1833. His parents came to Michigan ana settled in Marathon 
Township in 1836. They were among the first settlers in that part 
of Lapeer County. Mr. WiUey's father and Mr. E. Clute cut the 



first road into the township from the village of Lapeer, crossing the 
Flint Eiver near where Columbiaville now stands on a raft made of 
pine logs. Abijah lived with his father until he was twenty-one 
years of age, when he bought eighty acres of land in section 32, 
township 9 north, range 9 east. To this was added twenty 
acres in section 29, left him by his father. On this land he has 
followed farming up to the present time. For some thirty years he 
was also very extensively engaged in lumbering. He has been a 
justice of the peace for seven years, and has been connected with 
the township schools as moderator, director and assessor since he was 
of age. He was married in 1858 to Miss Eliza Traver, of Che- 
mung County, New York. They have two sons and two daugh- 
ters. 

Morris FRmER was born in Kent County, Western Canada, in 
1822. Came to Marathon in 1857 and bought a farm of forty acres 
in section 1, township 9 north, range 9 east. He is one of the 
first settlers in that part of tho township. In 1864 he enlisted in the 
Third Michigan Cavalry, and served in Texas and other Southern 
States until the war closed. At the close of the war he brought his 
parents to Lapeer County, and they lived with him until the time 
of their deaths, the father dying in 1869 and the mother in 1877. 
He was married in 1870 to Miss Anna Hayes, who was born in 
Canfield, Mahoning County, Ohio. They have had three children, 
but one of whom, a son, is now living. Mr. Frider has among the 
improvements on his farm, a fine orchard of peach trees. 

Seth Willey, who was one of the very first settlers in the 
township of Marathon, was born six miles east of Saratoga Springs, 
New York, in 1817. In 1836 the family were taken to Michigan by 
the father, Abijah Willey. They lived in Lapeer a year and then 
settled in Marathon, where the father had previously bought land. 
At his father's death the original homestead was divided up among 
the heirs, three sons and three daughters. Mr. Willey lives in sec- 
tion 28, township 9 north, range 9 east, where he has ninety- 
two acres. He also has forty acres in section 31. He has been 
town collector, justice of the peace, etc. He was married in 1843 
to Miss Caty J. Finehout, by whom he had a son and daughter. 
The son, George W. Willey, was a member of the Fourteenth Michi- 
gan Infantry and died from wounds received while in the service, 
during Sherman's "march to the sea." After the death of the 
first Mrs. Willey, he was again married in 1865 and by his second 
wife has had a daughter. 

Denis G. Lawrence was born in Sandusky, Ohio, in 1819. 
Came to Michigan with his parents when about a year old. They 
lived for a number of years in Oakland and Macomb Counties. In 
1840 he came to Marathon Township, Lapeer County. His farm is 
in section 29, township 9 north, range 9 east. Has 460 acres, 
300 cleared. In 1843 he bought a saw -mill in section 22, built by 
Washington Wagner. It w^as the first saw-mill put up in the 
township. In 1867 he replaced it with a steam mill. The latter he 
sold in 1882 and it was removed to Fremont, Tuscola County. Mr. 
L. was extensively engaged in lumbering and in the early days used 
to haul the product of his mill to Detroit and Saginaw with teams. 
He was also for a number of years engaged in mercantile trade in 
Columbiaville, of which village he was postmaster for a number of 
years, resigning the office in 1880. He was married July 25, 1841, 
to Miss Lorinda McArthur, by whom he had two sons and a daugh- 
ter. The daughter is married and the sons, Byron A. and Arthur, 
live on the homestead with their father and mother. 

Francis S. Morgan was born in 1828, in Scipio, Cayuga County, 
N. Y. He learned the trade of cabinet-maker at Vienna, New 
York, but at the end of his apprenticeship went to sea, shipping in 
1850 from New Bedford, Massachusetts, on a whaling vessel. 
The vessel in which he sailed was destroyed some eighteen months 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



147 



afterward in the South Pacific, by a sperm whale attacking it. 
Previously the whale had destroyed three of the ship's boats which 
had attempted its capture. The crew of twenty- two men took to 
the two remaining boats in which they were some five days without 
provisions before they were picked ap. They were landed in Pyta, 
Peru. For a number of years he followed a sea-faring life, some of 
the time on the Pacific coast of South America. Afterward went 
"around the Horn" to England, sailed from Bristol to New Orleans, 
also was in the fruit trade from there to Havana, Cuba. Came 
North in 1856, remained about a year and returned to New Orleans, 
and went to sea. Came to Greenville, Montcalm County, in 1857, 
became engaged to Miss Sarah E. Minard, to whom he was married 
at Oswego, Kendall County, 111. Since that time he has been en- 
gaged in the cabinet-making trade at Oswego, Illinois, Orion, Pon- 
tiac and Lapeer, Michigan, and has farmed it in Deerfield, Oregon 
and Marathon Townships in Lapeer County. While in Orion was also 
employed as a carpenter and joiner. He now lives on a farm of G. 
H. Bixby, in section 31, Marathon, which he farms on shares. He 
has had by his wife four children, of whom only one, a daughter, sur- 
vives. She lives at home with her parents. 



TOWN OF ATTIOA. 

This town, known in the government survey as township 7 
north, of range 11 east, is bounded on the north by Arcadia, east 
by Imlay, south by Dryden, and west by Lapeer. There are no 
streams of any consequence in the township. There are several 
small bodies of water designated as Pleasant Lake, Elk Lake, Grass 
Lake and Long Lake. 

Census of 1874: Population, 621; acres of taxable land 
22,735; of improved land, 6,737; number of sheep, 1,420; of 
horses, 322'^ of cows, 368. Products of preceding year: 5,462 
pounds of wool sheared, 34,291 pounds of pork marketed, 50 
pounds of cheese and 50,391 of butter made, 19,147 bushels of 
wheat raised, 19,299 of corn, 27,707 of other grain, 7,722 of apples, 
9,809 of potatoes and 1,568 tons of hay; 266 barrels of cider were 
made, and 6,253 pounds of fruit dried for market. In 1874, 3,440 
pounds of maple sugar were made. 

In 1880 the population of the town was 1,911. 

The aggregate valuation of real and personal property as 
equalized by the board of supervisors in 1882 was $540,000. 



The 
1846: 



ENTRIES OF LAND. 

following hst shows the entries of land prior to the year 



Section 1. 



Section 2. 



Section 
Section 

Section 

Section 



3. 
4. 

5. 

6. 



TOWNSmP 7 NOKTH, RANGE 11 EAST. 

Harlon Rice, June 11, 1836. 
Alanson Holcom, June 11, 1836. 

Edward Russell. 

Philetus Miller, June 21, 1836. 
John A. Tinsman, May 12, 1837. 
Marvin Shaw, May 12, 1837. 
John Barber, November 20, 1841. 
Lemuel B. Lemmon, August 14, 1839. 
Peter Hagner, June 15, 1836. 
Lucius Lyon, June 30, 1836. 
Peter Hagner, June 15, 1836. 
Walter Davenport, June 15, 1836. 

Richard J. Vosburgh. 

Wm. Scott, July 3, 1839. 



Section 8. 



Section 9. 



Section 10. 
Section 11. 



Section 6. Nathan Jones, July 20, 1837. 
Nathan Jones, July 24, 1837. 
Truman Castle, June 1, 1838. 
Abraham D. Fisk, June 2, 1838. 
Daniel Nightingale, October 20, 1838. 
Section 7. Walter Davenport, June 15, 1836. 
Egbert Owen, June 17, 1836. 
Franklin MuUiner, September 21, 1836. 
Marcus N. MuUiner, September 21, 1836. 
Alvah B. Howland, September 21, 1836. 
Walter Davenport, January 15, 1836. 
Lucius Lyon, January 30, 1836. 
Benjamin Starr, September 21, 1836. 
Lucius Lyon, June 30, 1836. 
Augustin H. Markham, and Ralph C. Markham, 

October 11, 1836. 
Edmund A. Brush, January 31, 1837. 
Nathan Dickinson, Wm. H. Imlay and George Beach, 

March 1, 1836. 
Edmund A. Brush, January 31, 1837. 
Wm. J. Shaw, April 15, 1837. 
Henry N. Crissman, May 12, 1837. 
JolmGibbs, May 12, 1837. 
Section 12. Nathan Dickinson, Wm. H. Imlay and George Beach, 
March 2, 1836. 
Edmund Russell, June 4. 1836. 
E. Russell and W. J. Bayard, June 4, 1836. 
Section 13. Levi D. Cowls, March 1, 1836. 

Nathan Dickinson, Wm. H. Imlay and George Beach, 

March 2, 1836. 
E. Russell and W. J. Bayard, June 4, 1836. 
Levi Washburn, January 24, 1837. 
Ralph B. Lewis, February 27, 1837. 
John Tinsman, March 10, 1837. 
Michael Marlatt, March 28, 1837. 
George W. Williams and James Eraser, March 28, 
1837. 
Section 14. Heman Humphrey, March 1, 1836. 
Seneca Newberry, January 16, 1837. 
Benjamin Crissman, March 10, 1837. 
Seneca Newberry, March 21, 1837. 
George W. Wilhams and James Eraser, March 28, 
1837. 
Section 15. Heman Humphrey, March 1, 1836. 

Nathan Dickinson, Wm, H. Imlay and George Beach, 

March 14, 1836. 
George Wilson, March 15, 1837. 
Section 17. Augustin H. Markham, October 11, 1836. 

Truman Henderson, February 13, 1840. 
Section 18. Harvey J. Norton, September 21, 1836. 

Oliver Benton, September 21, 1836. 
Section 19. Wm. L. Pickering, June 6, 1836. 
Center Lamb, June 9, 1836. 
Center Lamb, July 16, 1836. 
Section 20. Center Lamb, June 29, 1836. 

Richard Fancher, June 30, 1836. 
Leonard Hopkins, July 5, 1836. 
John B. Henderson, July 14, 1837. 
Ebenezer T. Wadkins, March 5, 1838. 
Section 21. Moses Olmsted, August 26, 1836. 

James Henderson, September 14, 1836. 
Warren Thompson, September 21, 1836. 
Ehsha Fox, September 21, 1836. 



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148 


HISTOEY OF LAPEEE 


COUNTY. 






Section 21. 


John T. Mapes, October 19, 1886. 
Walter Wentwortb, November 28, ]836. 


Section 31. 


Francis G. Macy and Amon W. Langdon, May 17, 
1836. 








Holden Tripp, January 24, 1837. 


Section 32. 


Francis G. Macy and Amon W. Langdon, May 17, 






Section 22. 


John A. Conklin, November 23, 1835. 

Nathan Dickinson, Wm. H. Imlay and George Beach, 

March 1, 1836. 
Heman Humphrey, March 1, 1836. 
Isaiah Goodrich, February 22, 1837. 
Nathan Dickinson, April 19, 1837. 




1836. 
Lewis L. Quick, June 4, 1836. 
Moses 01m stead, August 26, 1836. 
Jesse Kyes, September 17, 1836. 
Lyman Russell, December 20, 1836. 
Marvin Reed, March 17, 1837. 






Section 23. 


John A. Conkhn, July 6, 1835. 

Enos B. Taylor and Eden Kelley, February 16, 1836. 
Lemuel Taylor, February 22, 1836. 
Nathan Dickinson, Wm. H. Imlay and George Beach, 
March 1, 1836. 




Harvey Turner and Sylvester W. Turner, October 16, 

1888. 
Henry Read, October 3, 1839. 
William T. Lathrop, October 17, 1843. 
James Bolton, March 27, 1840. 








Nathan Dickinson, Wm. H. Imlay and George Beach, 


Section 33. 


Hannah Palen, June 4, 1886. 








March 14, 1836. 




Pardon G. Richardson, June 14, 1886. 








E. Kussell and W. J. Bayard, June 4, 1836. 




Jonathan Russell, September 26, 1836. 








Elias Gordon, June 6, 1836. 




Wilham H. Griswold, October 16, 1886. 






Section 24. 


Lemuel Taylor, Eden Kelley and Enos Taylor, Feb- 




Benjamin Crissman, March 10, 1837. 








ruary 13, 1836. 


Section 34. 


Joseph W. Hinks, November 26, 1835. 








Nathan Dickinson, Wm. H. Imlay and George Beach, 




Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay] and George 








March 1, 1836. 




Beach, March 20, 1836. 








LeviD. Cowls, March 1, 1836. 




Benjamin West, May 11, 1836. 








Edmund Eussell, June 16, 1836. 




Michael Nikirk. May 13, 1836. 








Erastus Cressy, March 10, 1837. 




Jonathan T. Walton, September 21, 1886. 






Section 25. 


Nathan Dickinson, Wm. H. Imlay and George Beach, 

March 1, 1836. 
David Kinnan, June 6, 1836. 
Seth Belding, June 6, 1836. 




James Goodenough, November 29, 1886. 
Laverna E. Skinner, February 10, 1837. 
David W. Noyes, March 10, 1837. 
Horace Shaw, July 4, 1838. 






Section 26. 


Hiram M. Hopkins, June 3, 1836. 
Edmund Russell, June 4, 1836. 
E. Russell and W. J. Bayard, June 4, 1836. 
Henry Hawkins and Van Rensselaer Hawkins, April 
17, 1837. 


Section 35. 


Benjamin Huntley, February 25, 1886. 
Ethan Squier, March 7, 1836. 
Jonathan T. Walton, May 12, 1836. 
Hiram M. Hopkins, June 3, 1886. 
Edmund Russell, June 4, 1836. 






Section 27. 


John W. Squier, July 24, 1835. 

Luman Squier, December 19, 1836. 

Elijah L. Taylor, January 16, 1837. 

German Elsworth, January 16, 1837. 

Henry Hawkins and Van Rensselaer Hawkins, Feb. 




WiUiam Eggleston, June 18, 1886. 
Norman Spencer, September 19, 1836. 
Jonathan T. Walton, September 21, 1836. 
Newman C. Griswold, November 10, 1836. 
John A. Tinsman, February 27, 1837. 








10, 1837. 


Section 36. 


Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 








Wm. Carlton, March 10, 1837. 




Beach, March 1, 1886. 






Section 28. 


Jesse Kyes, July 16, 1836. 

John B. Henderson, September 14, 1836. 

James Henderson, September 14, 1886. 

Jonathan Russell, September 26, 1836. 

Wm. H. Griswold, October 14, 1836. 

Lorenzo D. Carter, November 19, 1836. 

Russell A. Carter, November 19, 1836. 

Henry Hawkins and Van Rensselaer Hawkins, Feb. 

10, 1837. 
Daniel Russell, February 21, 1837. 
Aaron Carleton, March 10, 1887. 




Nathan Dickinson, William H. 'Imlay and George 

Beach, May 10, 1886. 
Edmund Russell, June 16, 1886. 
Wilham Worth, June 18, 1836. 
Nathan Dickinson, William H. Tmlay and George 

Beach, August 24, 1836. 
Michael Steffen, October 18, 1886. 
James Goodenough, November 19, 1886. 
James Goodenough, January 21, 1887. 
John A. Tinsman, February 27, 1837. 
Asa Huntley, March 10, 1837. 






Section 29. 


Center Lamb, June 29, 1836. 
Philip Smith, June 80, 1836. 


















XT ' . ' 

Jesse Kyes, July 16, 1836. 




EARLY HISTORY. 








George House, September 14, 1886. 


The township of Attica was at first a part of Dryden. The first 








Lyman Russell, December 20, 1836. 


land located by an actual settler was the southeast quarter of the 








Lyman Russell, February 1, 1837. 


southeast quarter of section 35, by Benjamin Huntley. 








Charles A. Hebard, October 22, 1838. 


The to war was organized in 1842, and the first township meet- 






Section 30. 


Francis G. Macy and Amon W. Langdon, May 17, 
1836. 


ing held April 4, of that year, in a log school-house on section 29. 
C. A. Hebard was chosen chairman, and Lyman Russell, clerk. 




^ 




Center Lamb, June 29, 1836. 


They were elected respectively supervisor and clerk of the new town. 


1 




George C. Loomis, July 11, 1836. 


Attica 


originally had extensive forests of pine, and like many 


i 


^ ®^ 




is? ^ 


^? 












<9 ^" 


■■^ 6) 



Ml 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



149 



other towns in the county, agriculture did not receive much atten- 
tion until the decline of the lumhering industry. The early lumber- 
men were William Wilhams, Joshua Man waring and Rogers & 
Jenness. 

Among the earlier settlers of the town w^ere Jonathan Russell, 
Jonathan T. Walton, Moses Olmstead, Lorenzo Carter, the Spencer 
family, Wilham North, John B. Henderson, James Henderson, 
John T. Mitchell, Benjamin West and his son Daniel West, Charles 
A. Hebard, Daniel Nightingale. Most of these came in about 1836, 
or between 1836 and 1840. The early settlement of the town was 
attended with hardships unusual even to the pioneer in the wilder- 
ness. The year 1837 was particularly severe upon the early settlers, 
as severe winter preceding with the heavy frosts of the spring 
resulted in a general unfruitfulness and scarcity of crops. There 
was a great scarcity of provisions, and much difficulty was experi- 
enced to obtain even the necessities of life. 

The religious wants of the pioneers of this town received early 
attention from the Methodist Episcopal Church which about 1838 
organized a class in the southern part of the town. 

The earliest school teachers in the town were Maria Gibbs, 
Jerusha Eoff and Mary West. 

The winter of 1847 -'48 will in all probability be remembered 
with as much distinctness by the people of this town, and also 
throughout the State, as any winter since the first settlement of the 
State, as being the season of great alarm and distress, by reason of 
the prevalence of what was at the time termed by physicians the 
"brain fever," or "congestion of the brain." It was a disease of an 
entire new type, and almost all of the first who were attacked with 
it died, as a general rule, within forty-eight hours after the attack. 
The alarm was general throughout the State. The legislature was 
in session at the time, and several members died of the epidemic. 
The members became alarmed aiid adjourned for the month. Af- 
ter a little time the physicians became more acquainted with the 
disease, and about one-half of those attacked recovered. Some 
however would linger along for five or six weeks, and then die with 
what the M. D.'s called quick consumption. 

During Taylor's administration a postoffice was established in 
the south part of the town, with Lyman Russel as postmaster. It 
has been removed a short distance from its original location and is 
now in section 29. Mrs. Ransora Miller is postmistress. 

There are three church edifices in the town ; one in the village 
of Attica and spoken of in connection with the account of that 
village; one in the southwest part of the town, belonging to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and under the pastoral charge of Rev. 
Mr. Moore of Metamora, and the third belongs to the Baptist de- 
nomination, but now occupied by a class of the Methodist Protestant 
Church, under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Flint, of Attica village, serv- 
ices being held every other Sunday. This church building is lo- 
cated in the southeast part of the town. 

Of the earher settlers of the town the only ones now living 
are James Nightingale, David Olmstead, Martin Russel, Wilham 
North, Albert Spencer and John F. Mitchell. 

A retrospective view of the history and changes that have been 
wrought out in this and other towns in the county from their earhest 
settlement up to the present time; from a howling wilderness, inhab- 
ited only by the bear, deer, wolf, lynx, with occasionally a moose 
and other small game; without roads and destitute of every and all 
the comforts of civihzed life; in all its primitive wildness and 
originality, save only, perhaps, an occasional foot-print of the red 
man, who, himself , was the fit companion only of the wild beasts 
upon which he preyed and depended for a livehhood. From such a 
state to the present condition of the county in all its grandeur, mag- 
nificence and beauty, with its broad acres of cultivated fields, stately 



dwellings, well arranged and comfortable highways, prosperous cities 
and villages, with the thousand and one comforts incident to civil- 
ized hfe, all of which have been wrought out. All these changes 
have been made within the last forty-five years, and by whom? 
Chiefly by the original pioneers and their posterity, but mostly by 
the original settlers. To them is due the credit of redeeming this 
land from its original wild, uncultivated state, to what our eyes be- 
hold and what the people of the land enjoy to-day. To them is 
due the tribute of grateful hearts and an unfading monument that 
shall endure while time shall last. Over three-fourths of that class 
of men and w^omen of this town and county have passed that 
bourne whence none return, and their children, with the accumu- 
lated population, enjoy the fruits of their labors, privations and 
hardships. No severe taxing of the imagination is necessary in 
order to duly appreciate the character and labors of those early vet- 
erans to whom so much is due from their children. 

Organization. 

At the first town meeting, held as before stated, the inspectors 
of election were John B. Henderson, John Barber, Jonathan T. 
Walton and Alanson Holcomb; clerk of election, Lyman Russel. 
The following were the officers elected for the ensuing year: Super- 
visor, Charles A. Hebard; clerk, Lyman Russel; treasurer, Martin 
Russel; justices of the peace, John B. Henderson, j£)hn Barber, 
William Eggleston and Charles A. Hebard; commissioners of high- 
ways, Richard I. Vosburgh, Jonathan T. Walton and Israel Ells- 
worth; school inspectors, Abram D. Fish, Charles A. Hebard and 
Jonathan Walton; constables, Nathan Jones, Thomas Ruby, Ro- 
dolphus Eggleston and Daniel Ellsworth; directors of the poor, 
James Henderson and Beriah H. Matterson; overseers of highways, 
Israel Ellsworth, District No. 1; Martin Russel, District No. 2; Jon- 
athan T. Walton, District No. 3; John Barber, District No. 4; Tru- 
man Castle, District No. 5; William Cusick, District No. 6, and 
William Karr, District No. 8. 

It was voted that cattle, hogs, horses and sheep shall be lawful 
commoners all the year except between the 15th day of March and 
the 15th day of April, and that no male cattle, hogs or horses over 
three months old shall run at large. 

It was voted to raise twenty-five dollars to buy books and bal- 
lot boxes. 

The first meeting of the town board was held April 13, 1842, 
at which the bonds of the town officers were approved. At the sec- 
ond meeting, held June 27th, the compensation of town officers 
was fixed at one dollar per day. Various bills were allowed, the 
first being of Algernon Mary weather, |3.50. It was voted to raise 
1120 for town expenses, |50 of it to pay Dryden crders; also |250 
for roads and f 20 for books and ballot boxes. 

The general election for 1842 continued for two days, the first 
day at Benjamin Huntley's house and the second at the school- 
house in District No. 3. Total vote, sixty-two. 

In 1879 a town house was built in the village of Attica at a 
cost of $600. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of Attica for the 
year 1882, shows that the number of school-houses was five; num- 
ber of children, 485. The school inspectors were H. P. West, M. 
J. Marshall, W. North, W. Blake, Francis West. 

TOWN OFFICERS. 

1842— Supervisor, Charles A. Hebard; clerk, Lyman Russel; 
treasurer, Martin Russel. 

1843__Supervisor, Charles A. Hebard; clerk, Lewis Alverson; 
treasurer, Martin Russel. 

1844_Supervisor, Jonathan T. Walton; clerk, Horace H. 
Tackles; treasurer, Henry B. Smith. 






rr^ 



M^ 






160 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEK COUNTY 



1845 — Supervisor, Charles A. Hebard; clerk, Horace H. Tack- 
les; treasurer, Daniel Ellsworth. 

1846 — Supervisor, Charles A. Hebard; clerk, Daniel West; 
treasurer, Daniel Ellsworth. 

1847 — Supervisor, John B. Henderson; clerk, Lyman Eussel; 
treasurer, Benjamin Henderson; number of votes, 65. 

1848 — Supervisor, Charles A. Hebard; clerk, Daniel West; 
treasurer, Walter Thompson; number of votes, 66. 

1849 — Supervisor, Charles A. Hebard; clerk, Daniel Ellsworth ; 
treasurer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 62. 

1850 — Supervisor, Lyman Eussel; clerk. William K. Harvey, 
treasurer, David Olmstead ; number of votes, 62. 

1851 — Supervisor, Lyman Eussel; clerk, William North; treas- 
urer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 71. 

18 2 — Supervisor, Jonathan T. Walton; clerk, William 
North; treasurer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 97. 

1853 — Supervisor, Jonathan T. Walton; clerk, William North ; 
treasurer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 104. 

1854 — Supervisor, Jonathan T. Walton; clerk, Daniel West; 
treasurer, David Olmstead : number of votes, 127. 

1855 — Supervisor, Jonathan T. Walton; clerk, Daniel West; 
treasurer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 116. 

1856 — Supervisor, Lyman Eussel; clerk, John H. Hand; treas- 
urer, William McKay; number of votes, 130. 

1857 — Supervisor, William North; clerk, J. B. Haney; treas- 
urer, Charles S. Cusick; number of votes, 154. 

1858 — Supervisor, William Youngs ; clerk, Daniel West; treas- 
urer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 182, 

1859 — Supervisor, William Youngs; clerk, Daniel West; 
treasurer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 200. 

1860 — Supervisor, Daniel West; clerk, Isaac T. Beach; treas- 
urer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 202. 

1861 — Supervisor, Daniel West; clerk, 0. A. Williams; treas- 
urer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 193. 

1862 — Supervisor, John B. Sutton; clerk, John S. Briggs; 
treasurer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 205. 

1863 — Supervisor, John B. Sutton; clerk, John S. Briggs; 
treasurer, Chancey Hall; number of votes, 178. 

1864 — Supervisor, Daniel West; clerk, John S. Briggs; treas- 
urer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 184. 

1865 — Supervisor, Daniel West; clerk, 0. A. Williams; treas- 
urer, James M. Nightingale; number of votes, 152. 

1866 — Supervisor, Daniel West; clerk, 0. A. Williams; treas- 
urer, James M. Nightingale; number of votes, 198. 

1867 — Supervisor, Anthony Williams; clerk, John S. Briggs; 
treasurer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 221. 

1868 — Supervisor, Anthony Williams; clerk, 0. A. Williams; 
treasurer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 261. 

1869 — Supervisor, Benjamin Henderson; clerk, John 
Briggs; treasurer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 256. 

1870 — Supervisor, Benjamin Henderson; clerk, John 
Briggs; treasurer, David C. Henderson; number of votes, 287. 

1871 — Supervisor, Benjamin Henderson; clerk, William 
Wood; treasurer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 261. 

1872 — Supervisor, Oliver P. Davison; clerk, John S. Briggs; 
treasurer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 290. 

1873 — Supervisor, Anthony Williams; clerk, David Donaldson; 
treasurer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 285. 

1874 — Supervisor, Anthony Williams; clerk, John W. Peck; 
treasurer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 252. 

1875— Supervisor, Zeph. Vamum; clerk, Arthur H. Fish; 
treasurer, David Olmstead; number of votes, 301. 



S. 



S. 



H. 



1876- 
treasurer, 

1877- 
trea surer, 

1878- 
treasurer, 

1879- 
treasurer, 

1880- 
treasurer, 

1881- 
treasurer, 

1882- 
treasurer, 

1883- 
treasurer. 



—Supervisor, Zeph. Varnum; clerk, Arthur 
David Olmstead; number of votes, 333. 
—Supervisor, Zeph. Varnum; clerk, George W. 
Arthur H. Fish ; number of votes, 357. 
—Supervisor, William North ; clerk, George W. 
Arthur J. Fish; number of votes, 345. 
—Supervisor, Anthony Williams; clerk, John 
David Olmstead; number of votes, 345. 
—Supervisor, Zeph. Varnum; clerk, Varnum N 
Frederick H. Hill; number of votes, 335. 
—Supervisor, Zeph. Varnum; clerk, Varnum N 
Frederick H. Hill; number of votes, 344. 
—Supervisor, Zeph. Varnum; clerk, Josex^h E 
Frederick H. Hill; number of votes, 302. 
—Supervisor, James P. Smith ; clerk, Joseph E 
George W. Williams; number of votes, 302. 



H. Fish; 
Williams; 
Williams ; 
W. Peck; 
, Hodges; 
. Hodges; 
. Hodson; 
Hodson ; 



VILLAGE OF ATTICA. 

The village of Attica is situated on Grass and Elk Lakes, in 
sections 9, 10, 15, and 16, of the town of Attica, and is a station 
on the Chicago & Grand Trunk Eailroad. It originated wdth the 
mills of Williams and Culver, on Grass La;ke, and Jenness and 
Eogers, on the north side of Elk Lake. These w^ere commenced 
in 1851 and w^eiit into operation the following year. Mr. Williams 
and Mr. Jenness were the men who were actively engaged in 
founding and advancing the grow^th and prosperity of the new vil- 
lage. 

Among the many men who have helped to develop the re- 
sources of Lapeer County, Mr. Williams occupies a very conspic- 
uous place. Born in Cazenovia, N. Y., in 1804, he made Wash- 
tenaw County, Michigan his home in 1834, where he remained ten 
years, wdien he settled in Drydeii Township. In 1851 he moved to 
Attica, and in connection with a Mr. Culver built a steam saw- mill 
on Grass Lake, which with all its mishaps, (having been burned 
three times), has ever since remained in the family, and now^ is 
operated by his sons Oscar A. and Anthony. On Mr. Williams' 
land, sections, 15 and 16, was built the main part of village of ' 
Attica. In his lifetime Mr. WiUiams was for a long time 
justice of the peace, and in March, 1881 expired. He was married 
in 1825 to Betsy Brock way, who was born in Orleans County, N. 
Y., in 1808, and is the mother of fourteen children, only three of 
whom are alive. Oscar A. and Olivia A., (twins), born in 1827, 
and Anthony born in 1836. Oscar was married in 1853 to Euphe- 
mia Tripp, who was born in Macomb County, in 1833 and died in 
1856, by whom one child was born, Valorus, who died at the age of 
four years. Second marriage in 1865 to Myra Tripp wiio was born 
in Erie County, Pa., in 1840. Three children, Willie, Belle, Annie. 
Oscar A. enlisted April, 1861, in the Seventh Michigan Infantry, 
served till the close of the war, having been regularly promoted 
nearly from the ranks to a captaincy. He was also the first post- 
master in Attica, when the name of the office was Hill Station. 
Once ran for the State legislature, on the Democratic ticket, in a 
district which usually gave a Eepublican majority of 700, and 
came within less than 200 of being elected, and to-day is engaged 
in lumbering and farming, being one of Attica's most esteemed 
citizens. 

I. N. Jenness was born in the State of New York in 1827. 
Settled in Lapeer County in 1850, and immediately engaged in the 
lumber business, which he has since continued. He in connection 
with other parties built and operated several mills, as already 
stated. He now owns and operates the only one of these mills 
which remains. He also conducts a general merchandise business. 






V 



A: 



-^—^ku 



HISTOEY OF LAPEBE COUNTY. 



161 



Connected with bis store is the postoffice, under the charge of Mr. 
Jenness, who has been postmaster for about thirteen years. Mr. 
Jenness is the owner of about fifteen hundred acres of land, and 
cultivates a farm of 600 acres. He was married in 1850 to Ehza 
Nye, who was born in Monroe County, N. Y., in 1826. 

Soon affcer the completion of their mill, Kogers & Jenness 
built a store in its vicinity, and this general merchandise business 
has been continued ever since. In 1863 Eogers & Jenness were 
succeeded by Allen Fish, Henry Fish and I. N. Jenness, under the 
firm name of I. N. Jenness & Co. In 1878 I. N. Jenness became 
sole proprietor. Two other mills were built by the firm of I. N. 
Jenness & Co., on the south side of Elk Lake, one in 1869, the 
machinery for which was taken from the north side mill, and 
the other in 1870. 

About 1870 a general merchandise store was opened by David 
Donaldson, and at about the same time a hotel was built by Mr. 
Williams. 

The amount of business done here is shown by the fact that in 
the last ten years Mr. Jenness has shipped 150 million feet of 
lumber. 

In 1870 aid to the amount of $7,000 was voted by the town of 
Attica, to the railroad now known as the Chicago & Grand Trunk, 
but before the issue of the bonds, the transaction was declared un- 
constitutional and not consummated. A private subscription of 
$17,000 was then raised, of which I. N. Jenness & Co., gave 
f 10,000 and the road was built. 

The postoffice was first estabhshed in the south part of the 
village with Oscar Williams as postmaster. In 1870 it was removed 
to the north part of the village and I. N. Jenness appointed post- 
master. He still retains the office. 

ATTICA IN 1873. 

We find the following article descriptive of Attica village in 
February, 1873: — "This village is located in Lapeer County, eight 
miles east of the city of Lapeer. The place was settled about 
twenty years ago, and through the lumber interests centered in and 
around it, claims a population of between six and seven hundred. 
It is intended to commence the erection of a Methodist Church dur- 
ing the coming season. The town already possesses one district 
school, which has an average attendance of 100 students; two gen- 
eral stores, owned by I. N. Jenness & Co., and David Donaldson; 
a millinery store, owned by Mrs, Laura Harris; three grocery stores, 
the property respectively of J. M. Eutherford, G. D. Hamilton and 
Henry Wood; a cabinet shop owned by Smith & Locker; two boot 
and shoe shops, owned by John Erwin and Nelson Sanderson; a 
meat and provision store, owned by L. Eutherford, and a livery 
stable, kept by T. Soper. 

"There is also a Masonic lodge in the place, and a lodge of Odd 
Fellows. 

"There are three hotels, viz. : the Wilhams House, kept by W. 
H. Eace; the Nickerson House, kept by Ealph Nickerson; and the 
Lumberman's Home, kept by Smith Fancher. 

"There are two blacksmith shops, owned by Thomas Ingley 
and A. B. Eoyce & Co. ; a saw-mill, owned by I. N. Jenness & Co. ; 
two grist-mills, owned by C. W. Briggs and Hodges & Barnum; 
and a tannery, by Mr. Chown^ 

"William Williams will erect a saw-mill next summer, in place 
of the one recently burned, belonging to him. 

"I am informed that Attica is an important point for the ship- 
ment of lumber, shingles, staves and spars for ship-building. One 
hundred and twenty spars were shipped from this place lasL year, 
and the number will probably be increased during the present year. 

"The physicians in Attica are Messrs. Manzer and Southard. 



"Among those who are especially prominent in public matters 
are Oscar A. Williams, 0. P. Davison, David Donaldson, J. W. 
Peck, Anthony Williams, William Youngs, W. H. Eace, John S. 
Briggs, I. N. Jenness, E. Watkins, Charles Chown, Parley L. Beebe 
and Nelson Sanderson. 

Attica is said to be quite a charming place during the summer 
season, as there are four lakes in the immediate vicinity, viz.: Elk 
Lake, which is the largest of the four; Grass Lake, which possesses 
pure soft water; Lake Pleasant and Long Lake. Efforts are to be 
made during the coming summer tc draw the attention of the trav- 
eling public more than ever to this point." 

Since the above was written the pine timber of the vicinity has 
become exhausted, and of its saw-mills but one is in operation 
mainly on hard wood lumber. Valuable hard wood timber remains, 
and an excellent soil which as the lumber era passes away is becom- 
ing better appreciated and will in the future contribute to a more 
permanent prosperity. A good grist-mill also makes the village of 
Attica a desirable market and point of trade. 

A school-house suited to the needs of the district in which the 
village is located was erected in 1872, at a cost of f 2,000. In 1878 
a graded school was established, of which A. B. Coggar and wife 
are in charge. The number of scholars in the district is 174. 

CHUKCHES. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1868 under 
the pastorate of Eev. James Eiley. Their house of worship was 
built in 1873, and dedicated in March, 1874, under the pastorate of 
Eev. J. E. Withey. At its dedication Eevs. J. S. Smart, of Port 
Huron and William Fox, presiding elder of the Eomeo district, 
officiated. The building was described at the time as follows: — "It 
is 36x50 feet, 20 feet at the corner, with center tower belfry and 
spire, the whole height of which is nearly ninety feet. The windows 
are round topped, and fitted with beautifully stained glass. The 
siding is of matched and beveled inch lumber, the whole neatly 
painted white, except the brackets, which are trimmed with brown. 
The belfry is octagon and the spire well proportioned. The audi- 
ence room is seated with patent seats from Chicago, leaving a broad 
aisle in the middle and a narrower one on each side. There is a 
rostrum extending two-thirds the width of the building, neatly 
furnished with pulpit sofa and chairs, seats for choir, and organ. 
The wall is white, hard finish, and wood work oak and ash, oiled 
and varnished. The gallery extending across tbe front end above 
the vestibule, waits for those who could not be seated elsewhere. 
There is also a lecture room in the rear, opening into the audience 
room near the end of the rostrum, 24x32 feet, furnished and seated 
for the Sabbath -school and the smaller meetings of the society. The 
cost was only $4,000." The present membership of the church 
is about fifty-six. In connection with it a union Sunday-school is 
held, with a membership of about seventy-five. The pastor is Eev. 
Henry Nankervis. 

The Methodist Protestant Society was organized about 1868 
with about twenty members. It has continued in active existence 
to the present time. Services are held every Sunday in the town 
hall. The parsonage was bougbt in 1882. The church numbers 
thirty-two members, and is in charge of Eev. W. H. Flint. The 
trustees are H. A. Sternberg, W. Balch and J. Jelhngs. A Bible 
class is held every Sunday morning. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

Attica Lodge No. 295, Free and Accepted Masons, was organ- 
ized under dispensation in 1869, continued under dispensation two 
years, and was then chartered. Its first master was Wilham Smith 
Merritt. It has a present membership of about thirty-five. The 
folio wino- are the officers:— Master, H. P. West; Sen. warden, 






T^ 



in^ 



152 



HISTOEY OF LAPEER COUNTY. 



Gavin D. Hamilton; Jun. Warden, John K. Byer; treasurer, Daniel 
West; secretary, George Williams; Sen. Dea., Walter West; Jun. 
Dea., Angus A. Dame; tyler, Oscar Williams. Eegular meeting 
Saturday evenings on or before the full moon in each month. 

Attica'Lodge No. 171, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was 
instituted November 7, 1871, with seven charter members. Its 
first officers were Cornelius Barr, N. G.; J. W. Ghrist, V. G.; W. 
H. Race, R. secretary; E. D. McKay, treasurer. The lodge now 
numbers fifty- two members. Regular meetings are held every Sat- 
urday evening in the town hall. The officers are:— W. P. Baird, 
N. G.; Charles Bryant, Y. G.; W. L. Woodrow, R. secretary; 
J. Lancaster, P. secretaiy; B. R. Terry, treasurer. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Dr. William Blake was born in Dumfrieshire, Scotland, in 
1845. Graduated in the Medical Department of Trinity University, 
Toronto, Ont., in 1873. The same year settled in Attica, Mich., 
and commenced the practice of his profession, in which he has 
achieved marked success, being the only physician at present in the 
township. He also owns and operates a farm on section 14. Mar- 
ried in 1873 Bella A.' Robertson, who was born in Ontario, Canada, 
in 1850. Three children— Ada M. G., Frederick W., and an 
infant. 

Daniel West was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., in 1821. 
He came in connection with his father's family to Lapeer County, 
1838. Landing in Detroit they made the journey on foot to Alniont 
Township. They made a permanent settlement in Attica in 1840. 
Mr. West worked on the farm summers and taught school winters, 
which he continued several years. By industry, perseverance and 
economy, he has secured a competency, and now resides in the vil- 
lage of Attica. He owns his fine farm of 220 acres on sections 31 
and 32, Attica Township, and forty acres in Arcadia after having 
helped his children to the amount of over |10,000. Mr. West is a 
first-rate sample of what an enterprising young man can do by tak- 
ing Horace Greeley's advice, "Go West and grow up with the 
country." He was married in 1849 to Martha Jane Henderson, 
who was born in Ohio in 1832, and died February 22, 1866, leaving 
five children. Walter, who lives on the old farm; Agnes A. Riley, 
who resides in Burnside ; Leva A. Ryan, living in Arcadia; Etha- 
linda Lester, who lives in Imlay City, and Martha J., who lives at 
home. Second marriage, August, 1868, to Mrs. Margaret Balle, 
who was born in Canada in 1826. Mr. West has enjoyed the con- 
fidence of his townsmen to a remarkable degree, having held all the 
offices m the gift of the people for a term of years. He enhsted in 
the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, rank, heutenant, in 1862, but after 
serving a year and a half was sick unto death and w^as dischargeS 
for disabihty. Lost three children in infancy: Viola, 1855; Har- 
rison, 1864; Arthur D., 1865. His father, Benjamin, was born in 
the State of Rhode Island and died at Attica at the age of fifty-four. 
His mother's maiden name was Sallie Blow, who died in Attica at 
the age of forty-eight. His father's family consisted of Benjamin, 
who was killed in Attica by the kick of a horse ; Mary, who married 
D. Wallace and died in Attica; Daniel; x\lmondB.; Nancy Bachelor, 
who diedm Wisconsin; James, died in Attica; George, killed by the 
falling of a tree in Attica; Francis; Sallie Spencer; Harrison P. 

J. R. HoDsoN was born in Burlington County, New Jersey, 
1844. Settled in Dryden Township, Lapeer County, Mich., in 
1857. Mr. Hod son established a mercantile business in Attica in 
1875, which he still continues, doing a good business. Has been 
justice of the peace and is the present township clerk. Married, 
June, 1882, to Jessie M. Stafford, who was born in Attica in 1866. 
James P. Smith was born in Almont, Lapeer County, in 1841. 



Settled in Attica on section 29 in 1872, and is the present super- 
visor of the township. Has been twice married: first, in 1863, to 
Mary Gordon, who was born in Canada in 1842 and died in 1877, 
leaving four children: Eulalie, Lee G., Eva M. and Minnie. Second 
marriage, in 1878, to Mary Spangler, who was born in Almont in 
1852. 

James Hodges was born in Tioga County, New York, in 1826. 
Settled in Oakland County, Michigan, in 1843. The following year 
settled in Dryden, Lapeer County, on section 5, where he still owns 
a farm of 340 acres; also owns 260 acres of other lands. The fiour- 
ing-mill in Attica, built by Varnum & Hodges in 1873, is now owned 
by him alone. He was married in 1853 to Ehzabeth Varnum, who 
was born in Canada in 1833, and came to Lapeer County in 1843. 
Eight children, Varnum, Zephaniah, Elvira, Addie, Clare, Ehza- 
beth, Jabez, Austin. 

Geoege W. Russell was born in Attica on section 32, where 
he now resides, in 1847. Married in 1871 to Elsie Fuller, who was 
born in Dryden in 1851. Two children, Jennie and Belle. Mr. 
RusseU, besides being a farmer, owns and operates a portable saw- 
mill. Engine, ten horse-power. His father, Lyman, was born in 
Ontario County, New York, in 1817. Settled in Attica in 1836 and 
died in 1868.- 

Warren C. xIlyea was born in Oxford, Ontario, in 1832. Set- 
tled in Attica in 1840 on section o2, where he now lives. Married^ 
in 1852, Louisa Bradshaw. Has six living children, Eliza, Henry, 
Fred, Melvin, Clarence and Frank; also three that have died, Mar- 
garet, in 1856; Fred., in 1862; Carrie, in 1867. His father, Peter, 
was born in 1785, and died in 1846. His mother, Sarah, was born 
in 1793, and died in 1871. 

Richard Payne was born in Bedfordshire, England, in 1816. 
Settled in Dumfries, Ontario, 1843, and in Oakland County, Michi- 
gan, in 1850. In 1857 he made Attica, Lapeer County, his home, 
settling on section 32, where he now lives. Married in 1844 
— Rachael Kitchen, who was born in Ontario, Canada, in 1825. 
Four living children, Elizabeth Sutton, who lives in Burnside; 
Helen C. West, who lives in Attica; JohnK., Joseph R. 

Francis M. West was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, in 1837- 
"Settled with his father's family in Lapeer County, in 1840. He 
now resides on section 29, Attica Township. Has been twice mar- 
ried. First, in 1862, to Amy A. Burt, who was born in Macomb 
County, Michigan, in 1846, and died in 1865. Second marriage 
in 1866, to Mary H. Burt, born in 1848. Two children, Francis E., 
born in 1872; Herbert 0., born in 1877. 

William M. Miller was born in Macomb County, Michigan, 
in 1836. Settled in Metamora, Lapeer County, in 1837, and in 
Attica Township, in 1849, on section 29, where he now resides. 
Married in 1868, to Ann Van Sickles, who was born in Canada, in 

1845. Three children, George E., Rilla, Lura. Lost one, Rosa, 
who died in 1873. His father, Nathan B., was born in Genesee 
County, New York, in 1787. Settled in Macomb County, Michi- 
gan, in 1822, and died in 1863. His mother, Rebecca Morris, was 
born in Genesee County, New York, in 1795, and is still living with 
William. 

Lewis Y. Struble was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, in 
1831. Moved with his parents to Pike County, Pennsylvania, in 

1846. From thence he moved to Oakland County, Michigan, in 
1851, and to Lapeer County in 1868, settling on section 31, Attica 
Township, where he now resides. Enlisted in 1862 in the Fifth 
Michigan Cavalry, and was discharged in 1864 on account of wounds 
received in line of duty in the Army of the Potomac. Married in 
1854, Euphemia Galloway, who was born in Onondaga County, 
New York, 1836. Four children, David G., Louisa A., Anna, 
Maggie. His father, Abram, was born in Sussex County, New 






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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



153 



Jersey, 1808, married in 1828 and died in 1872. His mother, 
Maria Ingersoll, born in 1809, still living. 

Pierce N. Rood was born in the town of Barre, Vermont, in 
1826, came to Lapeer Comity in 1886, and now hves on section 30, 
Attica Township. Married in 1818, to Angehne Simmons, who 
was born in Rensselaer County, New York, in 1829. Three chil- 
dren, Mary Hnsted,. who lives in Arcadia; Flora Gleason, who lives in 
Arcadia; Hattie hves at home. His father, Aaron, was born in Ver- 
mont, 1788, and died in 1854. Mother died in 1847. 

Newel T. Watkins was born in Monroe Comity, New York, in 
1830. Came to Oakland Coimty, Michigan, in 1881, and in Attica 
Township, Lapeer County, Mich., in 1844. Novv foUows farming 
and hves on section 20. Married in 1858, to Lizana Thompson, 
who was born in Dryden Township, in 1888, and died in 1868, 
leaving three children, John, born in 1860; Eugene, 1864; Fred, 
born 1867 and died 1874. Second marriage, in 1882, to Mrs. Charlotte 
Warner, who was born in Seneca County, New York, 1855, and 
who had one child by a former marriage. His father, Ebenezer, 
w^as born in the State of New Hampshire, in 1799. Married in 
1820, to Abigail Thompson, who was born in 1801 and died in 
1857, being the mother of thirteen children. His father lives in 
Tama County, Iowa. 

Philemon Pierce was born in Middlebury, Vermont, in 1813. 
Moved to Onondaga County, New York, in 1818, returned to Ver- 
mont in 1828 and remained three years, when he settled in Macomb 
County, Michigan. In 1844 made Lapeer County his home, and 
now resides on section 27, Attica. Married in 1887, to Mary Ann 
Wyman, who was born in Vermont in 1819. Six living children: 
Ehza Sutherland, Juha, Wyman, xllmina Winslow, Ida A. Water- 
house and Wellington W. Has buried four, Rozina, Franklin, 
Rosette and an infant. 

RuFus Squier was born in Macomb County, Mich., in 1886. 
Moved to Dryden, Lapeer County, in 1887, and now hves on section 
27, Attica Township. Is the present school inspector and has fol- 
low^ed teaching for a long time, and has been justice of the peace. 
Married, in 1864, Catherine Johnson, who was born in Canada, in 
1848. One adopted child— Pearl. His father, Luman, was born in 
Oxford, Canada, in 1800. Settled in Michigan, Macomb County, 
in 1817. Married Rebecca Arnold in 1829, and died in 1877. His 
mother, Rebecca, was born in 1810 and died in 1878. 

William Young, born in Pike County, Penn., in 1818. Settled in 
Oakland County, Mich., in 1886, and in Attica, 1841, on section 86, 
where he now resides, being a farmer of 207 acres. Has been 
supervisor, highway commissioner, etc., for a term of years. Mar- 
ried in 1886 to Margaret Ann Barnes, who was born in Pike County, 
Penn., in 1818. Ten children, Ehzabeth, John P., Benjamin, 
Fred C, Alpheus, William, Margaret A., Joseph, Harry, Mariet. 
Buried one, Eri, who died in 1866. 

A. S. Daly was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., 1829. Set- 
tled in Lapeer County in 1842, now lives on section 28, Attica. 
Married in 1858, to Clarissa A. Gardner, who died. Has been 
twice married since and has had two children by each -wife. 

Anthony Williams is one of the marked men of this locality. 
Has been school inspector. Supervisor for five years, |ind is the 
present member of the State legislature from his district, being the 
first Democrat ever elected in that strong Repubhcan district. 
Married April, 1861, to Sarah Jane Briggs, who was born in Oak- 
land County, Mich., in 1888. His children are Minnie, born in 
1862; Byron D., born in 1868 and died in 1864, on his birihday; 
Katie, born in 1866; Blanche died in infancy; Jennie Maud, born in 
1870; Elvie, 1874; Herbert A., 1878. Besides his lumber interests 
Mr. Williams is turning his attention toward clearing up and im- 



proving a large farm, and lending his mite toward the development 
of the hidden wealth of Lapeer County. 

Mrs. Olivia A. Marshall, daughter of Wni.Wihiams, was born 
in Orleans County, N. Y., 1827. Married in 1845 to Jonathan S. 
Marshah, who was born in Genesee County, N. Y., 1828. Settled 
in Almont Township in 1841, and have one living child, Phoebe E., 
and have lost two by death, Buel J., born in 1849, and died in 1851, 
Frank, born in 1852, and died in 1855. Phoebe E., was born in 
1847, and married Wilhani Baird in 1866, and has one living child, 
Fred, born in 1874, and one that has died— Frank, born 1868 and 
died 1872. 

Mrs. Hannah I. Stone, whose maiden name was Rood, was 
born in Barre, Vermont, in 1880. Came with her father, Aaron, 
and family to Lapeer County, as early as 1886. She has been 
twice married: first, in 1854, to A. Barber, who was born in Gene- 
see County, N. Y., in 1822. Settled in /ttica, in 1844, and died in 
1876. She stiU resides on the farm of her deceased husband, on 
section 2, Attica. Her second marriage occurred in January, 1881, 
to the Rev. E. P. Stone, who was born in Vermont in 1880, went 
to Massachusetts in infancy, returned to Vermont at the age of 
eight, where he remained for years. Graduated at Middlebury 
College, Vermont. Taught in academies for several years, and 
commenced the ministry (Congregational) in 1861, as chaplain of the 
Sixth Vermont Volunteers, and is still engaged in his profession. 
He had been previously twice married, first in 1855, to Martha E. 
Stone (no relative), who vv^as born in 1881 and died in 1856; 
second in 1869, to Laura J. Noble, born in 1842 and died in 1878, 
by whom he had two children, Edward N., born in 1870, and one 
who died in infancy. 

Clarence G. Wilber was born in Almont, Lapeer County, 
Mich., in 1842. Enli.ted in the Fourth Michigan Cavalry in 1862; 
taken prisoner and sent to Andersonvihe, where he remained for 
seven months. Discharged in 1865. Receives pension for dis- 
abihty contracted by disease. Married in 1865 to Josephine Golf, 
who was born m Michigan in 1849. Two children, Laura and 
George B. 

Charles D. Hough was born in Almont, Lapeer County, Mich., 
in 1849. Now hves on section 12, Attica Township, being a farmer 
of 100 acres. Married, in 1871, to Ellina Churchill, who was born 
in Almont, in 1850. Three children, Ralph, Nellie, Maud. His 
father, E. B. Hough, was born in Batavia, N. Y., in 1817. Settled 
in Almont in 1882. Married in 1848 to Emeline Johnson, who was 
born in 1824 and died in 1867. 

John N. Thompson was born in Almont, Lapeer County, Mich., 
in 1886. Now owns and operates a portable steam saw-mill, and 
resides in Attica. Married in 1858 to Clarissa Derby, and has a 
family of six children. His father, John, was born in Genesee 
County, N. Y., in 1808. Settled in Lapeer County in 1885, and was 
one of the very early settlers in Attica, being a partner of William 
Williams, to commence a saw-mill. He has been twice married, 
first, in 1881, to Hannah Quatermass, born in 1805, and died in 
1865; second, to Miss Julia A. Tewsley, born in 1880. Had eight 
children by his first wife and one by his second. 

William Winslow was born in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1821. 
Settled in Oakland County, Mich., in 1888, and in Dryden, Lapeer 
County, in 1887. In 1850 made Attica his home, settling on sec- 
tion 26, where he now resides. Married in 1844 to Sophronia 
Sutherland, who was born in 1828. Eight living children, George, 
Menzo, Willard, A. D., Henrietta, Annette, John, Nora. Lost 
three by death: Aurilla, born 1845 and died in 1850, Sarahetta, 
born 1852 and died 1856, Mary Belle, born 1865 and died 1888. 

David C. Atwell was born in Erie County, N. Y., 1817. Set- 
tled in Dryden, Lapeer County, in 1888. Now lives on section 22, 



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154 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



Attica Township. Maniecl in 1842, to Melissa Meeker, who was 
born in 1822. His children are Laura, Mary, Kiith, Milburn, Wil- 
lard. His father, Philo, w^as born in 1792, died 18e52; his mother, 
born in 1796, and died 1856. 

Parley L. Beebe was born in Madison Coimty, N. Y., 1818. 
Settled in Lapeer County, in 1845. Now lives on section 12,* At- 
tica. Married in 18B7, Susan Dutton, who was born in Vermont, 
1818, and died in 1881, leaving one child, Alice. His father, Eli, 
was born in Vermont, in 1787, and died in 1868. He was married 
the second time, 1881, to Mrs. Sarah Ann Carlow (maiden name, 
Swail), who w^as born in Canada, in 1843, and married, in 1860, 
Charles R. Carlow, w4io was born in 1837, and died, 1873, leaving 
four children, Martha, Clark, Marinda, Mariet. 

j^NToiNE Denoyer was born in St. Clair County, Mich., in 1831. 
Settled in Attica in 1869, and is foreman in the saw- mill of I. N. 
Jenness. Married first, in 1848, to Julia LaForge, who was born 
in 1829, and died in 1867, leaving eight children: Mary Jane, 
Emma, Demorest, Nancy, Antoine, Richard N., Edmond, William 
Henry; of whom Richard N., w^as drowned, in 1871, at the age of 
thirteen. Second marriage, in 1868, to Nancy M. Brooks, who was 
born in Prince Edward County, Ontario, in 1850. Tw^o children, 
Benjamin F., Frances E. Mr. Denoyer's grandfather, Joseph, 
born in France, came with General LaFayette, and fought in the 
Revolutionary War. His father, Joseph, was born in Louisiana, in 
1781, and died in 1832, of cholera. His mother, Charlotte Defoe, 
was born in Canada, in 1796, died in 1879, leaving seven children. 

John R. Byer was born in Norfolk, Ontario, 1833. Settled in 
Attica, in 1873, and has nearly ever since been engaged in the saw^-mill 
of I. N. Jenness, either as saw-yer, filer or engineer. Married in 1856, 
Lucinda Near, who was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1834. 
They have four children, Alice A., Josephine L., Charles E., Irving 
H. His father, John, was born in Ontario, in 1806; married 
Pluma Ward, in 1830; settled in Attica, in 1863, having a family 
of seven children. The mother, Pluma Ward, was born in 1813, 
and died in 1875. 

Robert Palmer was born in Troy, N. Y,, in 1831. Settled in 
Lapeer County, in 1854. Now resides on section 5, Attica Town- 
ship, being a farmer of 250 acres. Has been twice married, first, 
in 1854, to Mary Jane Hungerford, born in Saratoga County, N. 
Y., 1835, and died in 1864, leaving four children, Elizabeth Ann, 
James A., George W., Robert. Second marriage, 1867, to Ruth A. 
Converse, born in Ohio, in 1832, by whom he has four children, 
Clara, Charles, Mary, Mabel. His father, George, was born in 
Cambridgeshire, England, in 1801, and lives in Saratoga County, 
N. Y. His mother died about 1837. 



TOWN OF MAYFIELD. 

Mayfield is bounded on the north by Deerfield, east by Arcadia, 
south by Lapeer and west by Oregon. The township originally 
contained a large quantity of pine and some of the most extensive 
lumbering operations in the county have been carried on here. The 
pine forests, however, have disappeared, the manufacture of lum- 
ber has ceased to be an industry and agriculture has become the 
pursuit. 

There are several small lakes in the township, and the south 
branch of the Flint River flows across the southwest corner. 



Section 7. 



Section 8. 

Section 9. 

Section 10. 

Section 11. 



Section 12. 

Section 13. 

Section 14. 

Section 15. 

Section 17. 

Section 18. 



Section 19. 



Section 20. 



Section 21. 



LAND ENTRIES PRIOR TO 1841. 

TOWNSmP 8 NORTH, RANGE 10 EAST. 

Section 6. James Turrell, April 18, 1836. 
Section 7. James Miner, April 18, 1836. 



Section 22. 



Section 23. 

Section 24. 
Section 25. 

Section 26. 



Charles Rich, May 2, 1836. 

Ezra Coe, June 9, 1836. 

George A. Sorenborger, June 9, 1836. 

James Miner, April 18, 1836. 

James Turrell, April 18, 1836. 

Douglas Houghton, May 10, 1836. 

Douglas Houghton, May 10, 1836. 

Douglas Houghton, J. A. Wells and H. G. Hubbard, 

June 27, 1836. 
William Morris and Benjamin B. Morris, Septem- 
ber 14, 1836. 
Douglas Houghton, H. G. Hubbard and J. A. Wells, 

July 6, 1836. 
Douglas Houghton, H. G. Hubbard and J. A. Wells, 

July 6, 1836. 
Douglas Houghton, H. G. Hubbard and J. A. Wells, 

July 6, 1836. 
Henry Isaacs, June 11, 1836. 

William and Benjamin B. Morris, September 14, 1836. 
Ralph C. Markham, October 11, 1836. 
James Miner, April 18, 1836. 
James Turrell, April 18, 1836. 
Charles A. Carpenter, June 16, 1836. 
Alta E. Mather, June 16, 1836. 
John Thomas, March 16, 1836. 
Nathan Dickinson, Wm. H. Imlay and George Beach, 

May 2, 1836. 
Alta E. Mather, June 16, 1836. 
Stephen Thomas, •July 2, 1836. 
Ira Runnels, July 14, 1836. 
Minor Y. Turrih, December 19, 1836. 
Ralph Gates, January 28, 1837. 
Richard Arms, October 8, 1835. 
Noah H. Hart, October 23, 1835. 
Richard Arms, November 9 , 1835. 
Increase Vandeusen, November 9, 1835. 
John Evans and Increase Vandeusen, March 10, 1836. 
Gresham M. Williams and John Winder, March 7, 

1836. 
James Miner, April 18, 1836. 
James Turrell, April 18, 1836. 
Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 

Beach, May 2, 1836. 
James Turrell, May 6, 1836. 

Charles A. Carpenter, June 16, 1836. 

Asa Hill, July 29, 1834. 

Martin Stiles, Jr., January 26, 1836. 

Stephen Grant, April 1, 1836. 

James Turrell, April 18, 1836. 

John P. Cleveland, April 21, 1836. 

Patrick Scully, October 29, 1835. 

Stephen Grant, April 1, 1836. 

Increase Vandeusen, February 23, 1837. 

Henry Isaacs, June 1, 1836. 

John Shafer, March 10, 1837. 

Charles and Gasca Rich, May 16, 1836. 

C. C. and Benjamin J. Boutwell, May 13, 1836. 

Charles and Gasca Rich, May 16, 1836. 

Charles and Gasca Rich, May 16, 1836. 

Henry Isaacs and John Stevens, May 16, 1836. 

Henry Isaacs, June 1, 1836. 

Jeremiah Dunn, June 20, 1836. 

Lorenzo Spauldmg, June 20, 1836. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



155 



Section 26. James Churchman, June 27, 1836. 
Section 27. Patrick Scully, October 29, 1835. 

Stephen Grant, April 1, 1836. 

Harvey Isaacs and John Stevens, May 16, 1836. 

David M. Woodin, November 15, 1836. 

John Shafer, November 18, 1836. 

Increase Vandeusen, January 20, 1837. 

Increase Vandeusen, February 23, 1837. 
Section 28. Albert G. Southwell, May 26, 1832. 

Samuel Merlin, June 11, 1833. 

Polly Gotee, August 29, 1835. 

John Storum, October 16, 1835. 

Isaac Anderson, November 4, 1835. 

Stephen Grant, April 1, 1836. 

Chris. Logan, September 14, 1836. 

Amasa Nash, September 30, 1836. 
Section 29. Martin F. Southwell, May 26, 1832. 

Christo]3her Logan, November 27, 1833. 

Ebenezer Watkins, February 6, 1834. 

Nathan Hurd, May 10, 1834. 

Nathan Hurd, July 11, 1834. 

Allen Goodale, May 9, 1835. 

Isaac Goodale, May 9, 1835. 

John Storum, October 18, 1835. 

Isaac Goodale, November 10, 1835. 

Noah H. Hart, December 3, 1835. 

Isaac Goodale, January 19, 1837. 
Section 30. Isaac Goodale, Noveml)er 10, 1835. 

0. B. Hart, February 12, 1836. 

0. B. and Alvin N. Hart, February 12, 1836. 

Edward W. Peck, Ajuil 20, 1836. 

Aaron Eood, July 1, 1836. 

Isaac Goodale, January 19, 1837. 
Section 31. xiaron Horton, September 18, 1835. 

Daniel Horton, September 18, 1835. 

Julius Dean, September 29, 1835. 

Cornehus Vosburgh, September 29, 1835. 

Alonzo Davis, October 30, 1835. 
Section 32. Oliver B. Hart, July 11, 1831. 

Olmsted Chamberlain, December 21,. 1831. 

Benjamin W. Ball, May 23, 1832. 

John E. Walden, July 9, 1832. 

Joseph Swift, September 30, 1833. 

John Ryan, May 5, 1834. 

John Shaefer, September 29, 1835. 

John Shaefer, October 2, 1835. 
Section 33. Olmsted Chamberlain, December 21, 1832. 

Alvin N. Hart, May 23, 1832. 

Asael W. Abbott, July 8, 1833. 

Laura Stone, November 15, 1833. 

Samuel 0. Holmes, June 19, 1834. 

Hezekiah Warren, January 22, 1836. 

Increase Vandeusen, March 10, 1836. 

Increase Vandensen, May 21, 183(). 
Section 34. Edward Rice, May 14, 1835. 

Isaac Evans, October 8, 1835. 

Asael W. Abbott, February 25, 1836. 

Clark C. Carpenter, February 25, 1836. 

Andrew^ Evans, March 1, 1836. 

Increase Vandeusen, May 21, 1836. 

Robert Patterson, June 20, 1836. 

John Pister, July 11, 1836. 

Benjamin Rice, August 24, 1836. 



Section 34. 



Section 35. 



Section 36. 



John Evans, November 14, 1836. 

Temperance Turrill, December 19, 1836. 

Jehiel Davis, February 19, 1836. 

N. Dickinson, Wilham H. Iinlay and George Beach, 

April 2, 1836. 
Darius Lamson, May 14, 1836. 
Samuel Weston, November, 15, 1836. 
Levinus C. Davis, January 23, 1836. 
Clark C. Carpenter, November 19, 1836. 
Jehiel Davis, December 19, 1836. 
John Peters, January 18, 1837. 
George L. Hill, July 21, 1837. 



EARLY HISTORY. 

The town of Mayiieid was organized by act of the legislature, 
approved March 9, 1843, in thefoUowing terms: ''AH that part of 
the county of Lapeer, designated by the United States survey, as 
towaiship 8 north, of range 10 east, be and the same is hereby 
set oil and organized into a separate township, by the name of 
Mayfield; and the first township meeting shall be held at the school- 
house near Martin Stiles' in said township." 

As this act did not prescribe the time when it should go into 
operation, the quahfied electors of the township present on the 
first Monday in April, did not think it lawful to liold their town 
meeting on the day specified in the first section of an act to 
regulate the town meetings in newly organized towns. They 
therefore resolved to hold a meeting as soon as the said act should 
take effect agreeably to part first, title first, chapter first, section 
second, of the revised statutes, which says every act which does not 
expressly prescribe the time when it shall go into operation shall 
take effect on the thirtieth day after the day, when it shall be 
approved by the governor. Notices were duly given and signed 
by John Ryan, Martin Stiles and John B. Evans, freeholders 
of the township, dated April 8, 1843, to hold a town meeting 
on Monday the 17tli day of April, at the school-house near 
Martin Stiles' for election of officers. The qualified electors 
met pursuant to notice and those present betv/een nine and 
ten A. M., chose Martin Stiles, moderator ; Joseph Swift, 
Orsmus T. Carpenter, Richard Arms anil Samuel Murlin, inspect- 
ors; the prescribed oath was administered by the Moderacor to the 
inspectors, and by one of the inspectors to the mode-*ator. John 
Ryan was chosen clerk, and duly qualified. 

It was decided to elect by ballot two assekiors to assist the 
sujiervisor in making the assessment. 

The polls were declared open between nine and ten a. m., and 
were closed by proclamation between three and four p. m. 

The result of the election was as follows ; For supervisor, John 
Ryan; received thirty-four votes; for clerk, Orsmus T. Carpenter; 
received thirty-four votes ; for justices of the j^eace, Martin Stiles, 
received twenty-four votes; James M. Needham, twenty- seven; 
Hervey Thomas, thirty-four; Samuel Murlin, twenty-eight; Joseph 
Swift, nine; Amasa Nash, six, and Thomas Pero, one; for treasurer, 
John B. Evans received. twenty-eight votes, and Asahel W. Al)bott, 
six; for commissioners of highways, Levinus C. Davis received 
thirty votes, Samnel Murlin, twenty-four; Aaron Horton, three, 
and Amasa Nash, nine; for insi)ector of schools, John Ryan re- 
ceived thirty-four votes, and Christopher Farnsworth, thirty- 
three; for assessors, Noah G. Farnsworth received thirty-three 
votes, and Joseph Swift thirty-four; for overseers of the poor, 
Richard Arms received thirty-four votes, and Isaac Evans, thirty- 
four; for constables, P. Weston received thirty votes, John B. 
Evans, thirty- two, Christopher Logan, nineteen, Wright Goodale, 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



twenty-nine, and John Stiles, eighteen. Eobert Watson was 
elected pound master. 

The result of the election was duly declared. 

It was voted to raise $100 for necessary town expenses, and 
the further sum of $25 for the purchase of a burying ground. 

At town meeting in 1845 a vote was had on the question of 
licensing tavern keepers; eight votes were in favor, and thirty-four 
against. 

March 15, 1849, the township of Mayfield was attached to and 
made a part of the town of Lapeer. March 13, 1869, all of the town- 
ship, except that portion included in the limits of the city of 
Lapeer, was again organized as the town of Mayfield, and the first 
town meeting was held at the school-house near Christopher 
Farnsworth's. 

The first record of highway is headed, " Koad leading from 
Abbott's north to Farnsworth and Peck's " being '' nnnutes of a 
survey made March 31, 1837, for a public highway four rods wide, 
by order of the commissioners of highways for the township of 
Lapeer, commencing at the quarter post of section 33 oii the south 
line, running thence north to the quarter post on section 28 of 
the north side; town No. 8 north, of range 10 east." 

This is signed by Frank Lumbard and A. W. Abbott, commis- 
sioners of highways. 

Following this appear the minutes of survey of a continuation 
of this road one mile north, survey being made November 9, 1837, 
and Eichard Brown son and Clark C. Carpenter being commis- 
sioners. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of the town of May- 
field for the year 1882 shows the number of school children to have 
been 581, number of school buildings ten. The inspectors of elec- 
tion for the ensuing year were H. D. Kood, W. C. Waterbury, Otha 
Wiles, Eobert Davis, A. J. Decker, C. W. Perkins, Thomas Cliff, 
C. F. Stroup, B. H. Thompson, C. L. Sheldon. 



TOWN OFFICEES. 

1843 — Supervisor, John Eyan; clerk, Orsmus T. Carpenter; 
treasurer, John B. Evans: number of votes, 34. 

1844 — Supervisor, John Eyan; clerk, John F. Bray; treas- 
urer, John B. Evans. Number of votes, 30. 

1845 — Supervisor, John Eyan; clerk, Noah G-. Farnsworth; 
treasurer, John B. Evans. Number of votes, 49. 

1846 — Supervisor, George S. Osborn; clerk, John Eyan; treas- 
urer, John B. Evans. Number of votes 47. 

1847— Supervisor, John F. Bray; clerk; John Eyan; treasurer, 
Harvey Thomas. Number of votes, 38. 

1848 — Supervisor, George S. Osborn; clerk, John Eyan; treas- 
urer, Harvey Thomas. Number of votes, 45. 

From March, 1849, to March, 1869, Mayfield was a part of the 
town of Lapeer. 

1869 — Supervisor, John B. Evans; clerk, Carlton Peck; treas- 
urer, Harvey Thomas. Number of votes, 144. 

1870 — Supervisor, Henry Lee; clerk, Carlton Peck; treasurer, 
John B. Evans. 

1871 — Supervisor, Henry Lee; clerk, George W. Carpenter; 
treasurer, John B. Evans. 

1872 — Supervisor, Horace D. Eood; clerk, Daniel Evans; 
treasurer, John B. Evans. 

1878— Supervisor, Henry Lee; clerk, George W. Carpenter; 
treasurer, Harmon Owen. 

1874 — Supervisor, Henry Lee; clerk, George W. Carpenter; 
treasurer, Harmon Owen. 



187e5 — Supervisor, Henry Lee; clerk, James E. Leete; treas- 
urer, George W. Carpenter. 

1876— Superyisor, Henry Lee; clerk, Jam.es E. Leete; treas- 
urer, George W. Carpenter. 

1877^Supervisor, George W. Carpenter; clerk, James E. 
Leete; treasurer, Daniel Evans. ' 

1878— Supervisor, George W. Carpenter; clerk, James J]. 
Leete; treasurer, Daniel Evans. 

1879 — Supervisor, George W. Carpenter; clerk, James E. 
Leete; treasurer, Charles M. Valentine. 

1880 — Supervisor, George W. Carpenter; clerk, James E. 
Leete; treasurer, Charles M. Valentine. 

1881 — Supervisor, George W. Carpenter; clerk, James E. 
Leete; treasurer, Daniel Evans. 

1882 — Supervisor, George W. Carpenter; clerk, William H. 
Sa\\i)ell; treasurer, Daniel Evans, 

1883 — Supervisor, George W. Carpenter; clerk, William H. 
Sawtell ; treasurer, Benezette C. Hough. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settler in the township was Asahel W. Abbott, who 
came in 1833 and settled on section 33. Here he built in 1835 a 
frame house with lumber from the White mill, the first mill in the 
county. July 3, 1836, he married Martha L., daughter of Mrs. 
Martha L. AVhite, who, in 1833, came to Lapeer Township with 
her family. This was the second marriage in this section of coun- 
try. Mr. Abbott was by trade a shoemaker and followed this oc- 
cupation for many years after coming to Lapeer County, his 
customers coming from all parts of Lapeer county and from adjoin- 
ing counties. Their nearest grist-mill was Carpenter's lower mill 
at Paint Creek, twenty- six miles distant, and the grain must be 
hauled that distance and flour returned by ox-team. Mr. Abbott 
died Ma.rch 20, 1873. His widow still lives on the original home- 
stead and a portion of her residence is the house to which she 
came a jH)ung bride forty-seven years ago. 

The same season with Mr. Abbott came Samuel Merlin and 
Christopher Logan from Oakland County. Soon after came Amos 
Hurd, Isaac Evans, Edward Eice, Samuel 0. Holmes. Among 
other of the early settlers were John Peters, on section 36, John 
Hill, section 36, Horace D. Eood, Eichard Arms, the latter in the 
northwest part of the township, Samuel Weston, John B. Evans, on 
section 34, W^arren W. Goodale. Of these there are now living in 
the township, Samuel Weston, Horace D. Eood, John B. Evans 
and Warren W. Goodale. 

The pioneer preachers of Mayfield and of all this section of 
country were Eev. 0. F. North, of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
and Eev. Mr. Euggles, of the Congregational Church. The latter 
was probably the first to hold religious services in the town, in 1834 
or 1835. 

FISH LAKE OR STEPHENS. 

This village originated in the business enterprise of Henry 
Stephens. Havnig a large amount of pine in this vicinity which 
from its location was only accessible by railroad, being at a distance 
from desirable streams he m connection with others, by large 
personal contributions secured the building of a branch of the 
Detroit & Bay City Eailroad. With Messrs. Currier, Johnson and 
Townsend of Alinont, he built a mill on what was known as Fish 
Lake, which afterward became the sole property of Mr. Stephens, 
and which during a period of eight or ten years, maiuifactured a 
large amoant of lumber and gave employment to about one hundred 
men. 

In February, 1873, the village was described as follows: 
"Eight miles north of the city of Lapeer there is a small hamlet 



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HISTOKY OF LAPEEK COUNTY. 



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rapidly attaiitiiig the dignity of a village. The place I refer to is 
Fish Lake. One year ago there was not a habitation upon the spot 
and the site of the future village, perhaps city, was a vast wilderness 
of pines. It now has 275 inhabitants, and will soon have railroad 
communication with the outer world, as a stem of the Detroit & Bay 
City Eailroad is in course of construction to the town. There are 
J];wenty-six private residences in the place, one large hotel in process of 
erection, a store, a shoe shop, a livery stable and a blacksmith shop. 
In the spring F. & J. Moore, of Detroit, intend to erect a large saw- 
mill near the towai. John Copland, of Detroit, and N. Holland, of 
Buffalo, N. Y., will also build mills during the season. I have neg- 
lected to say there is also one saw-mill in operation, owned by D. 
Goodrich, of Flint. It turns out thirty-five thousand feet of 
lumber per day. The pine timber hereabouts is exceedingly fine, 
and is owned by Messrs. Stephens, Mellen and Tacles, and parties 
in Detroit. H. H. Smith, the builder of the Detroit &Bay City 
Eailroad, is, I believe, also largely interested in pine land in this 
vicinity. In consideration of its expectation of a railroad, and 
from the fact that it is located in a lumber region inexhaustible for 
half a century to come, I am inclined to believe that the future of 
Fish Lake is of the most flattering." 

Fish Lake is now a village without inhabitants. Its dwelling- 
houses, mills, stores, shops and hotel, are tenantless and dis- 
mantled, and the active business life of the village is but a memory 
of the past. 

FIVE LAKES. 

The village of Five Lakes taking its name from the lakes in its 
immediate vicinity, is in the northeast part of the town of Mayfield. 
Its origin was much , like that of Fish Lake^ the railroad which 
terminates here being extended from Fish Lake through the busi- 
ness necessities and enterprise of the owners of pine lands in the 
vicinity. Messrs. Piper & Thompson built the first mill here, 
followed by Sage, Ferry and Lee, and A. B. Eoyce. The lumber 
business is now almost a thing of the past. Charles Chapman has 
a shingle-mill, and McLaughlin a small portable mill, for the 
manufacture of ties and hardwood lumber. The country being now 
denuded of its pine, the cultivation of the soil is attracting attention, 
upon which this place will in the future depend for its prosperity. 
Many years prior to the lumber enterprises of the place, a post- 
office w^as established, with Mr. Stone as postmaster, who also kept 
a hotel. 

THE FIRE OF 1881. 

The township of Mayfield was one that suffered from the great 
fire of September, 1881. A list of losses was made at the time as 
follows: L. E. Waterbury, one mile of fence; William Peter, 
damage to pine timber probably $500 or more; no insurance. 
Henry Stephens, thirty tons hay, new barn, fences, $800. Insur- 
ance not ascertained. Alex. Smith, fences, f 100. No insurance. 
Mr Eoberts, barn and contents, $150. No insurance. Dr. 
Harrison, barn and contents, $75. No insurance. Alex. Johnston, 
of Lax3eer, logging shanties, sleighs, &c., $200. No insurance. C. 
F. Stroup, fences; Eichard Bliss, fences; Mrs. William Bliss, 
fences; Dell Brow^n, fences and timber; P. Ivory, fences, corn in 
shock and timber; John Danforth, fences and timber; John 
Lynch, fences and timber; William Eoberts, fences and timber; 
Eobert King, timber; J. D. Millis & Son, fences, timber, one mile 
plank road. No insurance. 

BIOGEAPHICAL. 

C. F. Stroup is a native of Germany, and was born in 
Wirtemberg in 1814. He emigrated to the United States with his 
parents in 1818, and settled in Lewis County, N. Y. , where he 



remained till 1838, when he w^ent to Oxford Comity, Ontario, 
making that his home until 1851, when he came to Michigan and 
settled in Berlin, St. Clair County, where he remained one year 
previous to his coming to this county. After living in several 
difi'erent places in the county, he finally in 1878 purchased 160 
acres of land on section 9, in the township of Mayfield, upon which 
he has since resided. He was married in 1843 to Miss Alzina 
Hutt, who was a native of the State of New York. They have nine 
children, — two sons, and seven daughters. Mr. Stroup has been a 
farmer from his youth up, and in addition to his home farm, owns 
160 acres on section 9, and 40 acres on section 16. 

Christopher Farnsworth is a native of Worcester County, 
Mass., w4iere he was born in 1814. He came to Michigan in 1847 
with his father's family, and settled on a farm on section 28, town- 
ship of Mayfield, Lapeer County, where he still resides. They were 
the fourth family of actual settlers in the township. As a town- 
ship official, he has held the office of highway commissioner, and 
has also been a notary public. He w^as married in 1847 to Miss 
Melissa P. Glidden, a native of Vermont, and has a family of four 
children, of whom three are married and settled in the township, 
and a younger son still remains at home. 

Daniel Evans was born in what was then Montgomery 
County, N. Y., in 1827, and came to Michigan wdth his parents in 
1840, They first located in the town of Lapeer. Mr. Evans lived at 
home with parents until twenty-one years of age, and in 1850 
purchased and moved upon the farm he still occupies, on section 
33, in the township of Mayfield, which contains eighty acres. He 
has held the office of treasurer for his township two years. Was 
married in 1853 to Miss Mary 0, Wade, of Oakland County, Mich. 
Of four children born to them, but one is now living, — a daughter, 
who is now Mrs. C. H. Van Wagoner, of Caro, Tuscola County, 
Michigan . 

Isaac Evans, deceased, w^as born in the State of New York in 
1809. He was married in 1826 to Miss Kate Van Dyke, of the 
same place. Their surviving children are Daniel Evans, of the 
township of Mayfield, and Mrs. J. L. Vosburg of Lapeer Citv. 

Almon MisENER was born near Hamilton, Ontario, in 1843, 
and when a mere lad came to Michigan with his parents, sm^ 
settled in the township of Attica, Lapeer County. On leaving 
home Mr. Misener engaged in farming for a time in Oakland 
County, but in 1870 purchased the farm upon w^hich he still 
resides, which is situated on section 35, in the township of May- 
field. He was married in 1870 to Miss Eosetta Weston, who died 
in 1877, leaving one son. 

John B. Evans was born in the town of Mayfield, Montgomery 
County, N. Y., in 1813, and came to Michigan in 1835, reaching 
Lapeer County on the day the convention met in Detroit to form 
the State Constitution, which was a year prior to its being admitted. 
About the year 1855 he was appointed by act of the legislature to 
organize the township, which he did, giving it the name of May- 
field. He was supervisor of Lapeer when it included ten of the 
present townships of the county, and has been supervisor and treas- 
urer of the township of Mayfield for many years, in fact has gener- 
ally held some office in the township since its formation. In early 
life he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several 
years, helping to build the first grist-mill in Lapeer City, and after- 
ward worked some time on the State survey, and became what is 
termed a "land looker," helping to enter nearly all the land in the 
northern part of the county. About the year 1838 he took up from 
the government 120 acres of land on section 34 in the township of 
Mayfield, and upon which he still resides. He has dealt largely in 
lands for years, and has owned thousands of acres in his locality. 
He was married in 1840 to Miss Sarah Willey, of Marathon, which 



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HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



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was the first ^vedding celebrated in that township. They have six 
children — one son and five daughters. Mr. Evans was actively en- 
gaged in recruiting during the late war, and was appointed by Gov. 
Blair as recruiting agent for coloied troops in the Southern 
States. 

Horace D. Kood was born in Barre, Washington County, Vt., 
in 1819, and in 1836 came to Lapeer County, Mich., and settled 
upon eighty acres of land in the township of Mayfield, previously 
taken up from the government by his fatlier, Aaron Eood. Subse- 
quently he and his brother purchased additional lands in partner- 
ship, which included his present farm of 240 acres on sections 33 
and 34, and which came to him soon after, when a division was 
made, and which he has since made his home, adding many improve- 
ments in the way of fine buildings and otherwise. Mr. Eood 
served in 1871 in the State legislature, and has served the township 
of Mayfield as supervisor and commissioner of highways, and the 
county of Lapeer as superintendent of poor, holding the latter office 
about twenty years. He was married in 1848 to Miss Mary J. Mur- 
lin, of Pontiac, Mich. They have four children, one son and three 
daughters. 

Edward Howard was born in Chemung County, N. Y., and 
came to Lapeer County, Mich., in 1871. He at first lived two 
years in Lapeer City, following which he worked a farm in the 
township of Lapeer two years, and then in 1875 purchased a farm 
in the township of Mayfield, which he sold in 1878, and bought his 
present home of eighty acres on section 22. Li 1861 he enlisted in 
the Watkins Dragoons, Col. Gilmore commanding, and served with 
them nine months. He then re-enlisted in the Eighteenth Penn- 
sylvania Cavalry and served three years. He was married in 1871 
to Miss Sarah J. Brock, of Erie County, N. Y. 

Harmon Owen was born in Columbia County, N. Y., in 1814, 
He came to Michigan in 1852 and settled on the farm where he now 
resides in the township of Mayfield, Lapeer County, and first pur- 
chased eighty acres of land, which he has increased to 187 acres, 
lying partly in the townships of Mayfield and Lapeer, He has 
been treasurer of the township two years. Was married in 1837 
to Miss Betsey M. Silvernail, who was also of Columbia County, 
N. Y., and has had eight children — five sons and three daughters. 
His third son. Perry Owen, enlisted in the Eirst Michigan Cavalry 
in February, 1864, and was shot dead at the battle of Cedar Creek, 
October 19th, of the same year. Mr. Owen has always been a 
farmer by occupation. 

Clarence L. Sheldon was born in Macomb County, Mich., in 
1850, his parents being among the earliest settlers of that county. 
He commenced life for himself when but a mere lad, and has 
worked up from place to place until now he occupies the position of 
head-foreman and manager of the extensive lumber yards and mills 
of Henry Stephens. 

A. L. Stephens, business manager for his father (Henry Ste- 
phens, of Detroit, Mich.) in his vast mill and lumbering interests in 
the State will be noted in an account of his business elsewhere in 
the work. 

Charles W. Perkins was born in Middlesex County, Ont., in 
1833, and came to Michigan with his parents in 1845. They 
settled on what is now the county poor farm, in Lajjeer County, 
and at the age of eighteen he commenced teaching school. In 
1858 he took up forty acres of land from the government, on section 
33, in the township of North Branch, which he afterward exchanged 
for village property in Almont, but which he subsequently disposed 
d and invested in other lands, and from this small beginning grew 
to be an extensive land speculator in this and adjoining counties, 
owning at one time over four thousand acres. He owned and 
resided upon 120 acres of land in the township of Imlay one year 



and Avas a resident of Lapeer City ten years. In 1880 he purchased 
eighty acres on section 21, in the township of Mayfield, where he 
has since resided. He still owns 260 acres of land in Tuscola 
County, ^md interests in other tracts there. He was married in 
1859 to Miss Julia A. Sogers, of Imlay. They have nine children, 
three sons and six daughters. Two sons &.nd one daughter are 
living in Lincoln, Neb. His father and four brothers saw service 
in the late war. 

D. P. Day was born in Genesee County, Mich., in 1843, and 
soon after becoming of age he engaged in selling safes as a travel- 
ing agent, which he continued two years. He then lived in Clio, 
Mich., one year, and subsequently in various places throughout the 
State, being principally engaged in hotel and livery business. In 
1877 he purchased a farm in the township of Genesee, Genesee 
County, which he lived upon until 1881, when he exchanged it for 
his present hotel stand at Five Lakes, Lapeer County, where he 
may be found ready at all times to care for the traveling public. 
He is also engaged in the manufacture and sale of wire screen milk 
safes which are being distributed throughout the State. He was 
married in 1866 to Miss Sarah E. Lash, of the State of New York. 
They have six children, three sons and three daughters. His 
father, Sylvester Day, was one of the first settlers in the township 
of Grand Blanc, Genesee County, Mich. 

Dennis CAHmL, postmaster and proprietor of general store at 
Five Lakes, was born in Port Byron, Cayuga County, N. Y., in 
1854, and came to Michigan in 1871. He first located in Flint, 
where he remained three years, and afterward spent two years in 
the employ of Mr. Stephens in his planing-mill. In 1878 he opened 
a general store at his present place of business, which he has since 
conducted. 

Stephen Carpenter was born in Compton, Lower Canada, in 
1829, and came to Michigan with his parents in 1836. They set- 
tled on a farm in Oakland County, which they ^Id in 1840,. and 
then came to the township of Mayfield, Lapeer County, and settled- 
on the farm now owned by G. W. Carpenter. In 1855, he (Stephen 
Carpenter) purchased 240 acres of land on section 17, in the township 
of Mayfield, upon which he resided from 1858 to 1863, when he sold 
out and returned to the homestead for a year. He then purclmsed 
his present farm, which he resides upon, and to which he has added 
until it now contains 145 acres. He also owns on section 7 forty 
acres of timber land, besides 160 acres in the township of Eich, on 
sections 24 and 25. He'was married in January, 1854, to Miss Eliza 
A. Eichards, of New York, They have three children, one son and 
two daughters. 

G. W. Carpenter, the present (1883) supervisor of the town- 
ship of Mayfield, was born in the township in 1849. His father, 
0. T. Carpenter, came to Michigan in 1836 from Lower Canada, 
and settled on section 20, in 1840, where Mr. Carpenter now resides. 
He is now serving his seventh term as supervisor, has been treas- 
urer two terms and township clerk two terms, having been elected 
to the latter office the year he became of age. He was married in 
1870 to Miss Mehssa Sawtell, of Mayfield. They have one child, a 
son. Mrs. 0. T. Carpenter, mother of G. W. and Stephen Car- 
penter, was born in Vermont in 1828, and with her two sons are 
the only surviving members of the family. Her maiden name was 
McLeod. 

Henry Lee was born in the township of Metamora, Lapeer 
County, Mich., where his father, Jesse Lee, settled in 1831, coming 
there direct from Cattaraugus County, N. Y. After becoming of 
age he remained three years on the homestead, and then after 
spending one year in the West, he purchased a farm in Oakland 
County, Mich., where he resided two years. He then sold his farm 
and purchased his present place, in 1867. First bought 160 acres on 




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section 18, in the township of Mayfield, to which he afterward 
added 180 acres. He has been supervisor of the township seven 
years and county treasurer four years. He was married in 1862 to 
Miss Mittie W. Thomas, of Mayfield. They have four children, two 
sons and two daughters. 

Wareen W. Goodale was born in Tioga County, N. Y., in 1816, 
and came to Michigan with his parents in 1829. They settled first 
in Wayne County, but in 1835 came to Lapeer County, and settled 
on section 29, in the township of Mayfield. His father took up 2 10 
acres of government land, a portion of w^hich he (Warren W. Good- 
ale) has since resided upon, taking care of his parents until their 
death. It is perhaps unnecessary to state that they were among the 
pioneers of this section, and that they came at a time when bear, 
w^olves and wild game abounded. Lapeer City then contained but 
one frame building. Mr. Goodale has been married three times, 
first to Miss Ehzabeth White, in 1810, and who died in 1860, second 
to Miss B. C. Perkins, whose death occurred in 1861, and third, to 
his present vfife. Miss Sally Inman, of Macomb County, Mich., 
whose parents came from the State of New York, and were among 
the first settlers of that county. 

William Callis was born in Key worth, Leicestershire, En- 
gland, in 1832, and came to the United States in 1851. He first 
located in Schoharie County, N. Y., but soon thereafter came to 
Michigan, and alter spending a short time in Groveland and Flint, 
he in 1855, came to his present location on section 30, in the town- 
ship of Mayfield, Lapeer County. He first purchased forty acres of 
land, but now owns 175 acres. Has served his township in the 
capacity of justice of the peace one term. He w^as married in 1855 
to Miss Ellen White, of the same county in which he was born in 
England. They have two sons and one daughter. Mr. Callis has 
engaged m the manufacture of bricks as weU as in farming since 
his residence in the county. 

E. Allen Goodale, deceased, was born in Tioga County, N. 
Y., in 1813, and settled in Lapeer County, about 1839, on section 
29, township of Mayfield, on land located by his father, and resided 
there until his death, which occurred in 1879. His widow was for- 
merly Miss Mary Barker, of the State of New York, whom with two 
sons and one daughter still survive him. 0. W. Goodale, son of E. A. 
Goodale, was born in the State of New York, in 1847, and came 
with his parentis to Michigan, where they settled as above described, 
and where he has since hved on the land located by his grand- 
father. 

C. V. Austin was born in Monroe County, N. Y., in 1830, and 
came to Michigan in 1839. He located first in Washington, 
Macomb County, where he followed the trade of a cooper, and in 
1873 removed to Marquette, Mich., where he resided until 1880, 
when he came to Lapeer County, and took charge of the county 
poor farm. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B. Twenty-second 
Michigan Infantry, as sergeant, and served to the close of the war. 
He was married in 1861 to Miss Sarah M. McGregor, of Macomb 
County, Mich. They have one son. 

B. C. Hough, who resides on section 29, w^as born in the town- 
ship of Almont, Lapeer County, Mich., in 1810, and is a son of 
Walter K. Hough, who was one of the first settlers there. He is 
one of a family of twelve children, nearly all of whom are residents 
of the county. Mr. Hough is the present treasurer of the town- 
ship and has also been drain commissioner. He Avas married in 
1862 to Miss Maryette Maynard, daughter of William Maynard, 
formerly of the township of Dryden. Mr. Hough owns a farm of 
sixty-five acres on the section above named. 

William Maynakd was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in 
1805, and in 1821 w^ent with his parents to Oxford County, Ontario, 
where he remained until 1845, when he cam^ to Michigan and set- 



tled in the township of Dryden, Lapeer County. He purchased 
eighty acres of land within one and a half miles of the village of 
Dryden, building a grist-mill thereon, which he ran for eighteen 
years. He then removed to Eomeo, Macomb County, Mich., where 
he engaged in a general mercantile business. In 1882 he came to 
the township of Mayfield, and took up his residence with Mr.Hough 
on section 29, where he has since resided. He was married in 1831 
to Miss Maria Brophy, of Ontario, Canada. They have one son and 
two daughters. 

Alonzo Conant was born in the tow^n of Pennington, Monroe 
County, N. Y., in 1814, w^iere he resided, and in the adjoining 
county of Wayne until 1854, when he came to Michigan and settled 
in the township of Hadley, Lapeer County. After renting a farm 
for three years, he purchased a piece of land upon which he resided 
until he moved to section 19, his present home. He was married 
to Miss Almina J. Warren, of Wayne County, New York, formerly of 
Saratoga County, New York. They have three sons and two 
daughters. 

Joseph W. Slatee was born in Saratoga County, New York, in 
1825, where he lived until he came to Michigan in 1854 with the 
exception of two years he spent in California, Soon after his arii- 
val in the State he settled on sectipn 26 in the township of May- 
field, Lapeer County, upon twenty acres of new land which he has in- 
creased by subsequent purchase to ninety-five acres. He enlisted 
in April, 1865, but on account of the war closing, served but six 
months. Mr. Slater has held the offices of highway commissioner, 
and drain commissioner. He was married in 1845, to Miss Mary 
A. Fodder, of Saratoga County, New York, and who died in July, 
1877. He was married a second time to Miss Sarah M. Berringer, 
of Arcadia, Lapeer County. 

Samuel Arms was born in Eutland County, Vermont, in 1820. 
He came to Michigan in 1843, and soon thereafter settled on section 
19 in the township of Mayfield, and has added to his original pur- 
chase until he now owns 186 acres, sixty-one acres of which is 
across the township line in Oregon. He is serving his third year 
as justice of the peace. Mr. Arms was married in 1847, to Miss 
Julia A. Lathrop, a native of Oakland County, Michigan. They 
have four sons, of w^hom one is in Colorado, one siill at home, and 
two living in the immediate neighborhood. 



TOWN OF OREGON. 

The town of Oregon is one of the western tier of towns of La- 
peer County, being by government survey, township 8 north, of 
range 9 east. It lies between the towns of Marathon on the north. 
Mayfield on the east, Elba on the south, and the county of Genesee 
on the wTst. Flint River flows through sections 4, 5, 7 and 8, and 
the south branch of Flint River through sections 1, 11, 12, 13, 14 
and 24. With these streams and their several tributaries, together 
wdth its numerous ponds, the town is well watered. The surface of 
the country is rolhng and the soil generally a clay loam, some por- 
tions being a heavy clay. Formerly large quantities of excellent 
pine covered the land, and extensive lumbering operations have 
been carried on here. This fact has, to a marked extent, retarded 
the settlement of the town, as large tracts of land w^ere purchased 
and held for their pine timber, and could not be obtained for settle- 
ment and cultivation until the merchantable pine had been removed. 
This has now been done and a rapid increase in the area of cultiva- 
tion has resulted. 

Since 1872, Oregon has been furnished with railway facihties 
by the Detroit & Bay City Branch of the Michigan Central Railroad, 
its station, knowai as Carpenter's Station, being located in section 14. 



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k. 



160 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



From the census of 1874 the following statistics of population, 
products, etc., are obtained: Population, 1,113; number of acres of 
taxable land, 21,088; of improved land, 3,282; number of sheep, 
1,435; of horses, 227 ; of cows, 362; pounds of w^ool sheared the 
preceding year, 4,513; of pork marketed, 14,828; of butter made, 
31,875; bushels of wheat raised the previous year, 11,976; of corn, 
9,526; of other grain, 15,117; of apples, 2,382; of potatoes, 5,875; 
of hay cut, 1,060 tons. 

By the census of 1880, the population was 1,420. The aggre- 
gate value of the real and personal property as equahzed by the 
county board in 1882, w^as |387,000. 



to 



Section 3. 



Section 4. 



Section 5. 



ENTRIES OF LAND. 

The following are the entries of land in the town of Oregon up 
1841 : 

TOWNSfflP 8 NORTH, KANGE 9 EAST. 

Section 1. Enoch Jones, February 13, 1836. 
Geo. Jasperson, March 8, 1836. 
Henry J. Piatt, May 2, 1836. 
Gardner Dorrence, May 2, 1836. 
Levi D. Cowles, May 2, 1836. 
Section 2. Eurotes P. Hastings, March 24, 1836. 
Walter Hubbeh, April 12, 1836. 
Levi D. Cowles, May 2, 1836. 
Moses Dole, May 21, 1836. 
Lionel Tenny, May 25, 1836. 
M. Healy and B. B. Kercheval, June 15, 1836. 
Jas. B. Murray, April 8, 1836. 
Francis G. Macey, June 6, 1836. 
Jabish M. Corey, and Joseph B. Morse, February 25, 

1836. 
Thaddeus 0. Martin and Delos Davis, February 27, 

1836. 
Cullen Brown, February 27, 1836. 
Moses Dole, May 21, 1836. 
Ira Davenport, May 25, 1836. 
Delos Davis and Thaddeus 0. Martin, February 27, 

1836. 

Cullen Brown, February 27, 1836. 
Thos. L. L. Brent, March. 9, 1836. 
Ira Curtiss, May 21, 1836. 
Edwin Bennett, December 1, 1836. 
Section 6. Cornehus Vosburgh, May 21, 1836. 
Earl Collins, May 21, 1836. 
John S. Martin, May 21, 1836. 
Edwin Bennett, December 1, 1836. 
Cullen Brown, February 27, 1836. 
Cullen Brown, March 7, 1836. 
Wm. Moore, February 27, 1836. 
Cullen. Brown, February 27, 1836. 
Cullen Brown, February 27, 1836. 
Francis G. Macey, June 6, 1836. 
Francis G. Macey, June 6, 1836. 
Francis G. Macey, July 16, 1836. 
Sectio*n 11. Mason Butts, December 5, 1834. 
John Shafer, December 18, 1835. 
Alvin N. Hart, January 30, 1836. 
Walter Hubbell, April 12, 1836. 
Liberty Judd, May 31, 1836. 
Moses Dole, May 31, 1836. 
Noah H. Hart, June 13, 1836. 
Section 12. ~ Mason Butts, December 5, 1834. 



Section 7. 



Section 8. 



Section 9. 



Section 10. 



Ehzabeth S. Demille, January 30, 1836. 

Reuben B. Gibson and Jonathan Lund, January 30, 
1836. 

Eurotes P. Hastings, March 14, 1836. 

Henry S. Piatt, May 2, 1836. 

John L. Talbot and Walter Dean, May 17, 1836. 

W. M. Halsted and R. T. Haines, June 6, 1836. 

M. Healy and B. B. Kercheval, June 15, 1836. 

Levi D. Cowles, June 16, 1836. 
Section 13. Oliver B. Hart, December 3, 1835. 

John Shafer, December 18, 1835. 

Richard Arms and Ebenezer Watkins, January 30, 
1836. 

John Shafer and Juhus B. Hart, January 30, 18LJ. 

A. N. Hart, January 30, 1836. 

Dickinson, Imlay and Beach, May 2, 1836. 

Gardner Dorrence, May 2, 1836. 

N. Dickinson and others. May 16, 1836. 
Section 14. Julius B. Hart, January 30, 1836. 

Minor Y. Turreh, March 28, 1836. 

Wihiam M. Halsted and Richard T. Haines, June 11, 
1836. 

Alta E. Mathers, June 16, 1836. 

M. Healy andB. B. Kercheval, June 29, 1836. 

Jonathan Weston, Jr., November 15, 1836. 

Seth Willey, November 15, 1836. 

Horace Lathrop, January 16, 1837. 
Section 15. Cyrus Clark, November 9, 1836. 

Roswell Keeler, November 9, 1836. 
Section 17. Cullen Brown, February 27, 1836. 

James B. Murray, April 8, 1836. 

Francis G. Macey, June 8, 1836. 
Section 18. Cullen Brown, February 27, 1836. 

James B. Murray, April 8, 1836. 

W. M. Halsted and R. T. Haines, June 6, 1836. 
Section 19. Thomas I. Drake, April 29, 1836. 

W. M. Halsted and R. T. Haines, June 6, 1836. 
Section 20. Ira Jennings, May 21, 1836. 

W. M. Halsted and R. T. Haines, June 6, 1836. 

W. M. Halsted and R. T. Haines, June 11, 1836. 
Section 21. Roger Fitzpatrick, May 23, 1836. 

Charles V. Selkrig, May 23, 1836. 

William M. Halsted and R. T. Haines, June 11, 1836. 
Section 22. Roswell Keeler, November 9, 1836, 

Alfred Warner, November 10, 1836. 

Thomas Probyn, November 15, 1836. 

Isaac Wheeler, December 19, 1836. 

Charles A. Bronson, December 19, 1836. 

Jesse M. Goodin, December 19, 1836. 

Horace Lathrop, January 16, 1837. 

Alfred Warner, January 17, 1837. 
Section 23. Roswell Keeler, November 9, 1836. 

George W. Brooks and Cyrus Clark, November 9, 
1836. 

Charles A. Bronson, December 19, 1836. 

Licrease Van Deusen, January 28, 1837. 

Lavinia McDowell, December 24, 1838. 
Section 24. Ebenezer Watkins, January 5, 1836. 

Andrew J. Watson, January 22, 1836. 

Henry S. Piatt, May 2, 1836. 

Horace Lathrop, December 19, 1836. 

elonathan Burgess, December 23, 1836. 

Horace Lathrop, January 16, 1837. 






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M: 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



161 



Section 24. 
Section 25. 



Section 26. 



Section 27. 



Section 28. 
Section 29. 
Section 30. 

Section 32. 

Section 33. 
Section 34. 

Section 35. 



Section 36. 



Horace Lathiop, February 25, 1837. 

Eichard Nelson, April 29, 1836. 

Edward W. Peck and Oliver E. Adams, May 7, 1836. 

Luther Smith, June 1, 1836. 

Thomas Caley, July 14, 1836. 

Horace Lathrop, December 19, 1836. 

Jonathan Burgess, December 23, 1836. 

Julius B. and Noah H. Hart, George F. Ball and 

Ira Howland, May 25, 1836. 

Allen P. Stewart, June 16, 1836. 

Eoswell Keeler, November 9, 1836. 

Clark Beardsley, January 18, 1837. 

WilUam M. Halsted and E. T. Haines, June 6, 1836. 

William M. Halsted and E. T. Haines, June 11, 1836. 

Eoswell Keeler, November 9, 1836. 

Elijah Noble, December 9, 1837. 

James McDowell, February 23, 1838. 

Lewis McDowell, October 24, 1838. 

William M. Halsted and E. T. Haines, June 11, 1836. 

Charles and Gasca Eich, May 12, 1836. 

Charles and Gasca Eich, May 12, 1836. 

Eobert Bradford, January 23, 1837. 

Charles and Gasca Eich, May 12, 1836. 

Charles and Gasca Eich, June 6, 1836. 

Harry St. John, January 24, 1837. 

Hyman H. LiUibridge, May 17, 1836. 

John Willard, May 27, 1836. 

Jonathan H. Lund and Charles A. Trowbridge, April 

7, 1836. 
Maxwell Thompson, May 16> 1836. 
Edward G. Morton, May 17, 1836. 
Hyman H. LiUibridge, May 17, 1836. 
Julius Dean, May 21, 1836. 
John Shafer, October 30, 1835. 
Alonzo Davis, March 7, 1836. 
Stephen Grant, April 1, 1836. 
Alonzo Davis, April 20, 1836. 
Eichard Nelson, April 29, 1836. 



EAELY HISTOEY. 

The settlement of Oregon commenced about 1836. During 
that year came Eichard Bronson, settling near Lake Bronson, 
which took its name from him. He remained but a short time in 
the town. Daniel Clark came about the same time, settling on 
what is now the Peterson farm. He was first treasurer of the town. 
He also has left. John Caley came in 1836. His name appears 
prominently in the early records of the town. The same year came 
Horace N. Lathrop, a native of Connecticut. He was prominent in 
the civil history of his town. Was first supervisor of Marathon, 
which at the first included Oregon. In 1837 he built a saw-mill 
and a grist-mill on section 24, where now is the village of Millville. 
Mason Butts was the millwright. This was one of the earliest grist- 
mills in the county and a great convenience to the settlers, as prior 
to this time the nearest grist-mill was at Orion, Oakland County, 
about twenty-one miles distant. Mr. Lathrop died in 1871. In 
1838 James McDowell settled on section 27. Among other early 
settlers may be mentioned James Spears, Warren Elliott, Alanson, 
Jonathan and James Gray, Benjamin and WiUiam Skinner, Lafay- 
ette Warren. 

The village of Millville was at one time quite an important 
point, a considerable amount of business being done here. Besides 
the mills mentioned as built here by Mr. Lathrop a saw-mill was 



built about 1848, which was known as the Parsons' mill. The pine 
timber in this vicinity having been exhausted the saw-mills, too, 
have passed away. The grist-mill located on South Branch of 
Flint Eiver and run by water power, is still in operation. A post- 
office was at one time established here but continued only for a short 
time. 

CHURCHES. 

In 18e52 Elder Burgess and William Tomkinson held a pro- 
tracted meeting in Millville as a result of which a class of the Meth- 
odist Protestant denomination was organized. This is still in act- 
ive existence, many of the original members remaining. Services 
are held at the school-house at Millville once in two weeks, Elder 
Kellogg being pastor in charge. Classes also meet at the stone 
school-house in section 15, Eev. Mr. Eiley beiug in charge and at 
the Vermilya school-house in the northwest corner of the town. 

The Christian Association meets at the stone school-house un- 
der the pastorate of Eev. Mr. Snyder. 

The only church edifice in the town is that of the German 
Methodists, the organization being legally known as the "Salem 
Church of Oregon." This association was organized January 17, 
1874. The names of subscribers were as follows: John Bohnsack, 
J. Bohnsack, Fred Fick, John Thorn, Henry Bohnsack, Karl 
Thorn, Henry Eoss, John Mundt, Sr., John Mundt, Jr., John Eoss, 
Christopher Eoss, Charles Gerwalts, George Berner, Karl Eoss, 
Fred Eoss. Officers: President, John Bohnsack; secretary, Joseph 
Bohnsack; treasurer, Henry Eoss. Their house of worship was 
built the previous year. It is located on the northeast corner of 
section 17. Services are held every other Sunday. 

SCHOOLS'. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of the town of Ore- 
gon for the year 1882, shows the number of school children to have 
been 364; number of school buildings, five. The inspectors for the 
ensuing year were John Thorn, Henry Eoss, George F. Barber, 
George W. Hollenbeck, J. L. Silsbiia-y, Eobert Miller. 

RAILKOAD AND POSTOFFICE. 

Eailroad facilities are furnished to the town of Oregon by the 
Detroit & Bay City Branch of the Michigan Central Eailroad, 
which crosses the northeastern part of the town. This road was 
built in 1873, and a station established on section 14, which is 
known as Carpenter's Station. The postoffice, which was estab- 
lished in 1873, is called Oregon postoffice. S. Carpenter was ap^ 
pointed postmaster and still retains the office. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The town of Oregon was organized by act of the legislature 
approved March 25, 1846, which directs that "all that part of the 
county of Lapeer designated by the United States survey as town- 
ship number 8 north, of range number 9 east, now a part of the 
township of Marathon, be and the same is hereby set of! and or- 
ganized into a separate township by the name of Oregon, and the 
first township meeting shall be held at the house of Wm. Skinner, 
in said township." 

The first town meeting was held Apiil 6, 1846, at the place 
designated. Alonzo Davis was chosen moderator; H. N. Lathrop, 
Daniel Clark and Lafayette Warren, inspectors, and Jonathan Sils- 
bury, clerk. Before opening the polls it was voted, rira roce^ that 
there be two assistant assessors elected. 

The polls were opened and upon closing the same it was found 
that for the office of supervisor Lafayette Warren received fourteen 
votes ; for the office of town clerk, Jonathan Silsbury received nine 
votes and G. H. Eoyce, five votes; for treasurer,Daniel Clark received 
fourteen votes; for justices of the peace, H. N. Lathrop received thir- 
teen votes; G. H. Eoyce, fourteen; Daniel Clark, fourteen; Alonzo 
Gray, eight, and Benjamin T. Skinner, five; for assessors, Jonathan 



n" 



5 ^ 



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^ 



162 



HISTOEY OF LAPEER COUNTY. 



Silsbury received fourteen votes, and Orlando Elliott, fourteen ; for 
commissioners of highways, Alonzo Davis received thirteen votes ; 
Alonzo Gray, thirteen; G. H. Eoyce, twelve, and Benjamin T. Skin- 
ner one; for inspectors of schools, Alonzo Davis received fourteen 
votes, and Lafayette Warren, fourteen-; for directors of the poor, 
Daniel Clark received fourteen votes ; John Caley, eleven ; WiUiam 
S. Graves, one, and Jonathan S. Gray one; for constables, William 
Skinner received fourteen votes ; Orlando Elliott, eleven ; Jonathan 
S. Gray, eight; William S. Graves, six, and Warren Elliott, two. 

Jonathan Silsbury was elected overseer of highways for Dis- 
trict No. 3; Daniel Clark for No. 4, and Jonathan S. Gray for No 5. 

It was resolved that the" compensation of town officers be fixed at 
seventy-five cents per day and the services of the same be audited 
by the town board and the clerk credit the same on a book to be 
kept for that purpose and a certificate be given for the same, which 
shall be receivable for taxes. 

It was resolved that Alonzo Davis procure the ballot boxes for 
the town for the sum of six dollars, the boxes to be cherry or black 
w^alnut, with a good lock and key. 

It was voted to raise fifty dollars for incidental expenses. 

The drawing of the justices resulted as follows: For one year, 
Alonzo Gray; for two years, H. N. Lathrop; for three years, G. H. 
Eoyce; for four years, Daniel Clark. 

The school inspectors were drawn as follows : For one year, 
Lafayette Warren ; for two years, Alonzo Davis. 

At the first meeting of the town board held A.pril 11, the only 
business transacted was the acceptance of the bonds of officers and 
the allowing of an account of one dollar in favor of Wm. Skinner. 

The first recorded action of the board of school inspectors was 
November 4, 1848, when rules were adopted for the care and man- 
agement of the town library. A Hst of the books shows 418 volume^. 

November 27, 1847, the board of school inspectors met for the 
purpose of examining candidates for teaching primary schools. 
Sheldon Thomas and Mary E. Smith were examined and received 
certificates. These are the first recorded certificates. 

The record of surveys of highways estabhshed for the town- 
ship of Marathon in that part afterward organized as Oregon, shows 
under date of February 28, 1836, "highway continued from town 7, 
range 10, southwest corner of section 31, thence north on range 
line three miles." This is the earliest liighway survey in Oregon. 



TOWN OFFICERS. 

1846— Supervisor, Lifayetfce Warren; clerk, Jonathan Sils- 
bury; treasurer, Daniel Clark; number of votes, 14. 

1847 — Supervisor, Lafayette Warren; clerk, Jonathan Sils- 
bury; treasurer, John D. Bothell; number of votes, 19. 

. 1848 -Supervisor, Lafayette Warren; clerk, Jonathan Sils- 
bury; treasurer, John D. BotheU; number of votes, 20. 

1849— Supervisor, Lafayette Warren; clerk, John D. BotheU; 
treasurer, George L. Smith; number of votes, 26. 

1850— Supervisor, Horace N. Lathrop; clerk, Lafayette War- 
ren; treasurer, George L. Smith; number of votes, 25. 

1851 — Supervisor, Horace N. Lathrop; clerk, Jonathan Sils- 
bury, treasurer, George L. Smith; number of votes, 31. 

1852— Supervisor, Horace N. Lathrop; clerk, Jonathan Sils- 
bury; treasurer, George L. Smith; number of votes, 33. 

1853— Supervisor, Lafayette Warren; clerk, Jonathan Sils- 
bury; treasurer, George L. Smith; number of votes, 35. 

1854— Supervisor, Lafayette Warren; clerk, Jonathan Sils- 
bury; treasurer, John Caley; number of votes, 25. 

1855— Supervisor, Stephen K. Woodward; clerk, Jonathan 
Silsbury; treasurer, George L. Smith; number of votes, 35. 



1856 — Supervisor, Stephen K. Woodward; clerk, Jonathan 
Silsbury; treasurer, George L. Smith; number of votes, 40. 

1857 — Supervisor, George L. Smith; clerk, Charles D. Wait; 
treasurer, James H. Gray; number of votes, 48. 

1858— Supervisor, Stephen K. Woodward; clerk, Jonathan 
Silsbury; treasurer, James H. Gray; number of votes, 60. 

1859 — Supervisor, Stephen K. Woodward; clerk, John D. 
Bothell; treasurer, Orlando Elliott; number of votes, 80. 

1860 — Supervisor, George W. B. Graves; clerk; John Caley, 
treasurer, Orlando Elhott; number of votes, 81. 

1861 — Supervisor, Stephen K. Woodward; clerk, Edmund 
Hollenbeck; treasurer, Wm. H. Bassett; number of votes, 59. 

1862 — Supervisor, George W. B. Graves; clerk, John Caley; 
treasurer, Orlando Elliott; number of votes, 72. 

1863 — Supervisor, George W. B. Graves; clerk, John Caley; 
treasurer, Delos W. Warren, number of votes, 75. 

1864 — Supervisor, George W. B. Graves; clerk, John Caley; 
treasurer, Delos W. Warren; number of votes, 82. 

1865 — Supervisor, Orlando Smith; clerk, John Caley; treasurer, 
Orlando Elliott; number of votes, 53. 

1866— Supervisor, Orlando Smith; clerk, William Woods; treas- 
urer, Orlando Elliott; number of votes, 77. 

1867 — Supervisor, Orlando Smith; clerk, William Woods; treas- 
urer, Orlando Elliott; number of votes, 103. 

1868 — Supervisor, Orlando Smith; clerk, William Woods; 
treasurer, Orlando Elliott; number of votes, 147. 

1869 — Supervisor, Samuel Gibbons; clerk, William Woods; 
treasurer, Orlando Elliott; number of votes, 95. 

1870— Supervisor, Samuel Gibbons; clerk, William Woods; 
treasurer, Orlando Elliott; number of votes, 130. 

1871 — Supervisor, George W. B. Graves; clerk, James D. Sils- 
bury; treasurer, Orlando Elliott; number of votes, 129. 

1872 —Supervisor, George W. B. Graves; clerk, James L. Sils- 
bury; treasurer, Stephen K. Woodward; number of votes, 108. 

1873 — Supervisor, Stephen K. Woodward; clerk, James L. 
Silsbury; treasurer, Joseph D. Pope; number of votes, 109. 

1874— Supervisor, Stephen K.Woodward; clerk, Joseph D, 
Pope; treasurer, Wm. H. Bassett; number of votes, 94. 

1875— Supervisor, Orlando Elliott; clerk, Samuel Gibbons; 
treasurer, Zabina Rice; number of votes, 146. 

1876— Supervisor, Orlando Elliott; clerk, Samuel Gibbons; 
treasurer, Francis Price ; number of votes, 169. 

1877 — Supervisor, Orlando Elliott; clerk, Samuel Gibbons; 
treasurer, Francis Price; number of votes, 195. 

1878 —Supervisor, Thomas Parker; clerk, James L. Silsbury; 
treasurer, Geo. W. Hollenbeck; number of votes, 208. 

1879 — Supervisor, Orlando Elliott; clerk, Marshall E. Smith; 
treasurer, Norman J. Markle; number of votes, 192. 

1880 — Supervisor, Geo. W. Hollenbeck; clerk, William W. 
Hollenbeck; treasurer, James H. Gray; number of votes, 216. 

1881 — Supervisor, Norman J. Markle; clerk, WilHam W. Hol- 
lenbeck; treasurer, James H. Gray; No. of votes 253. 

1882— Supervisor, Thomas Parker; clerk, James L. Silsbury; 
treasurer, Geo. W. Hollenbeck; number of votes, 223. 

1883 — Supervisor, Geo. W. Hollenbeck; clerk, Sanford M. Col- 
vin; treasurer, Orlando Elhott; number of votes, 197. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Stephen D. Geay was born in Fulton, Schoharie County, N. Y. 
in 1842, and when eighteen months of age came with his parents to 
Lipeer County, Michigan, and settled upon the farm now owned by 
the subject of this sketch. He has held the office of commissioner 






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HISTOEY. OF LAPEEK COUNTY. 



163 



of highways four years. Mr. Gray was married in 1870 to Miss Ab- 
bieL. Sanborn, a resident of the township of Hadley, Lapeer County. 
They have one son. 

Myron FuLLEE was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y.,iu 1842, 
and in 1856 came with his parents to Lapaer County, Michigan, and 
settled in the township of Oregon, upon a farm of eighty acres of 
new land, which is now owned and occupied by Mr. Fuller. As a 
matter of fact the ownership of the property has never passed from 
the family since they settled upon it. He was married in 1869 to 
Miss A. Pike, formerly of Ohio, but who came to Michigan in 1856. 
They have one daughter. 

John F. Boss was born in Germany in 1849 and emigrated to 
America in 1871. He was three years in Canada, and then came to 
Michigan and settled in the township of Oregon where he has since 
resided, where he owns 120 acres of land, in sections 16 and 9. He 
was married in Canada to Miss Sophia Bohnsack, a native of Ger- 
many, who has since died, and by whom he had three children — 
one son and two daughters. 

Amos Gkaves was born in the township of Washington, Ma- 
comb County, Michigan, in 1828, and in 1850 came to the town- 
ship of Oregon, Lapaer County, and purchased a farm of forty acres 
of new land which he improved and lived upon for a time when he 
sold it and bought the farm he now resides upon on section 32. He 
was married in 1851 to Mrs. Elizabeth Baldwin who died in 1854, 
and by wiiom he had one child. He was again married to his pres- 
ent wife. Miss Esther Chapel, of Rochester, Oakland County, Mich- 
igan, in 1857. They have four children. 

J. S. Gkay was born in Schoharie County,N.Y.,in 1821, and came 
to Michigan in 1844 and settled in the township of Oregon on forty 
acres of new land. Two years thereafter he purchased forty acres of 
land where he now resides. He was married in 1842 to Miss Lydia 
A. Edwards, of the State of New York. They have six children, three 
sons and three daughters, all of whom are married and living with- 
in a radius of two miles of the homestead with the exception of one 
daughter. 

William Spears was born in the township of Oregon in 1843, 
and has since resided there. In 1865 he purchased the farm he now 
owns and occupies, which he has added to by subsequent purchase 
until he now owns 120 acres, which he has improved and upon 
which he has erected buildings. He was married in 1865 to Miss 
Emily Baldwin of the same township; but formerly of Oakland 
County. They have two children — a son and daughter. 

Samuel Caepenter was born in Vermont in 1814, and came 
to Michigan in 1835, settling firsl: in Macomb County where he pur- 
chased land and followed both farming and lumbering. In 1842 he 
came to Lapeer County and purchased a tract of new land and sub- 
sequently in 1844 bought and settled upon a farm in the township 
of Almont. In 1869 lie went to Flint, Michigan, and engaged 
extensively in the lumbering business; and in 1877 located in 
the township of Oregon on section 14. He was married in 1846 to 
Miss Lydia Churchill, of Almont, who was formerly from Ontario, 
Canada. Mr. Carpenter owns 173 acres of land, a saw and shingle- 
mill and a general store on section 14, and 160 acres on section 12. 
He has been married three times and has three children — daugh- 
ters. 

Edmund Hollenbeck was born in Columbia County, N. Y., in 
1818 and in 1826 moved with his parents to Oneida Couiity,N. Y., 
thence in 1833 to Wayne County, N. Y.,and in 1837 came with his 
father to Michigan, and settled on section 22 in the towm ship of Mar- 
athon, Lapeer County. In 1839 he removed to the township of La- 
peer where he remained three years, returning at the end of that 
time to the old homestead and soon thereafter purchased 112 acres of 
new land on section 2 township of Oregon, and has since lived upon 



it. He now owns in the township and in Marathon 242 acres. Mr. 
Hollenbeck has held many of the township offices inchiding com- 
missioner of highways twelve years, treasurer two years and clerk 
one year. He was married in 1845 to JuHa A. Kichmond, of the 
State of New York, who died in December 1881 and by whom he had 
four sons. He was again married in 1883 to Mrs. Davis, of Oakland 
County, Michigan, and who was born near Kochester, N. Y. 

Thomas Parker is a native of Lincolnshire, England, and was 
born in 1815. He cam.e to the United States in 1830, with his 
father and settled in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and in 1833 came 
to Michigan, and located first in Oakland county remaining there 
two years, when he came to Lapeer County and purchased a farm 
in the township of Marathon 'where he resided three years. He 
then removed to the township of Elba and made that his home for 
about four years when he came to the township of Oregon and pur- 
cbased a farm on section 27. In 1843 he bought and has since occu- 
pied his present farm with the exception of six years spent in lum- 
bering in the township of Mayfield. At present he owns 635 acres 
of land on sections 14, 22, and 23. He has held the office of com- 
missioner of highways and has been supervisor of the township 
two years. He was married inl837 to Miss Eveline Hunt who died 
in 1861 and by whom he had two children, and was married to his 
present wife Miss Mary A. Rood, of Oakland County, in 1861. They 
have three children. 

George W. Hollenbeck was born in the township of Oregon 
in 1850 and resided with his father (Edmund Hollenbeck) until he 
was twenty- one years of age when he purchased 80 acres of land on 
section 6 where he has since resided and is now serving his second 
term as supervisor of the township of Oregon, and has also held the 
office of treasurer two terms. He was married in 1871 to Miss Jo- 
sephine Tibbits, of the township of Marathon, who is a native of 
Lockport, N. Y. They have two children— a son and daughter. 

James L. Silsbury was born in Schoharie County,N. Y.,in 1835, 
and with his parents in 1836 came to Michigan and stopped first in 
Oakland County about eighteen months, after which they came to 
Lapeer County and settled on section 24 in the township of Oregon, 
on forty acres of new land. In 1866 hepurchased 60 acres of improved 
land on section 35. He has owned and lived upon several differ- 
ent farms iu the township and for a time was in Lapeer Citv. In 
the fall of 1882 he purchased the farm where he now resides on 
section 27, and is said to have lived longer in the township than 
any person now residing in ifc. His father (Jonathan Silsbury) was 
the third settler in the township. Mr. Silsbury has represented his 
township in the office of clerk for five years. He was married in 
1876 to Miss Maria Talmadge, of Canada. They have two children. 

Thomas E. CusmNo was born in Windsor County, Vermont, in 
1822. He continued to reside there until 1853, when he came to 
Michigan and located in the township of Oregon, Lapeer County 
where he purchased 90 acres of land. In 1858 he sold the farm 
and engaged in lumbering which he followed two years, and also 
spent one year in Vermont. He then re-purchased 50 acres of the 
old farm where he has since resided, and to which he has added 60 
acres of adjoining lands. Mr. Cushing has held the office of jus- 
tice of the peace for two years and was again elected in 1883. He 
was married in 1847 to Miss Mary J. Davis, of Harper, Vermont, 
who died in September 1882, leaving one child — a son. 

Willl\m I. Buck was born in Middlesex County, Ontario, in 
1840, and has been engaged in lumbering in various places in 
Michigan. In 1867 he purchased a farm in Oakland County, near 
Pontiac, where he resided four years, when he exchanged it for 200 
acres on section 8, in the township of Oregon, to which he has since 
added 100 acres, making in the aggregate 300 acres, which he has 
improved and built upon. He has large lumbering interests on 






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D ^ 



sections 19, 20, 21, 24 and 28, to which he has built a railroad 
three miles in length, which forms a spur of the Chicago & Grand 
Trunk. Mr. Buck has held the office of commissioner of highways 
for the township of Oregon. He was married in 1862 to Miss Caro- 
line E. Thomas, of Mayfield, Lapeer County. They have three 
children, one son and two daughters. 

Joseph Bohnsack was Loyn in Prussia, in 1882, and emigrated 
to America in 1851. He first stopped in New York six months, 
after which he was in Canada five years, when he came to Michigan 
in 1857, and settled on section 16, in the township of Oregon, La- 
peer County, where he has since resided. He purchased forty acres 
of land, which he has improved and added to till he now owns 120 
acres. In 1864 he enhsted in the Fourth Michigan Infantry, and 
served three years, going to Texas with his regiment at the close of 
the war, where he remained a year and a half. He was married in 
1857 to Miss Maria Mayborn, and in 1875 to Miss Matilda Grawe, 
a native of Prussia. He had six children by his first wife, and two 
by his present wife. 

William H. Topham is a native of Derbyshire, England, and 
born in 1823. He came to the United States in 1851, and was two 
years in Pennsylvania, one year in New York, and one year in Detroit, 
Mich., when he came to Lapeer County and settled on section 25, 
in the township of Oregon. He first purchased forty acres of land, 
then fifty acres on section 30, in the township of Mayfield, to which 
he subsequently added sixty acres, and afterward purchased ninety 
acres on section 36, township of Oregon, and other lands on sections 
30, Oregon and 32, Mayfield, making in the aggregate 330 acres. He 
was married in 1852 to Miss Nancy Long, who died in 1877, and 
by whom he had four sons. Was married to his present wife. Miss 
Eosanna Perkins, a native of Canada, in 1878. 

Orlando Elliott was born in Otsego County, N. Y., in 1823, 
and came to Michigan in the fall of 1842. He located on section 
24, in the township of Oregon, where he at first purchased eighty 
acres of land, and to which he has added by subsequent purchases, 
until he now owns 207 acres. He has resided continuously in the 
township since 1842, and has been its supervisor four years, while 
he is now serving his eighth year as treasurer. He was married in 
1846 to Miss Dolly D. Sawtell, who died in 1850, and was a second 
time married, in 1851, to Miss Mariette Sawtell. By his first wife 
he had one son, and by his second wife four sons and one 
daughter. 

EoBERT Nelsoin was born in Donegal County, Ireland, in 
1830, and came to the United States in 1850. After stopping a 
short time in Pennsylvania he came to Lapeer County, and settled 
on forty acres of new land in the township of Oregon, on section 35, 
which he has improved and increased by later purchases to 100 acres, 
and abo owns 110 acres on section 3, in the township of Elba. He 
was married in Philadelphia, in 1852, to Miss Fanny Long, who was 
from the same county in Ireland. They have one son. Mr. Nelson 
has always followed the occupation of farming both here and in Ire- 
land. 



TOWN OF IMLAY. 

Imlay belongs to the eastern tier of townships, and is bounded 
on the north by Goodland, east by St. Clair County, south by Al- 
mont and west by Attica. It is a good agricultural township and 
one of the most prosperous in the county. 

The township was first settled in 1832, but the town was not 
organized until 1850. 

The following list will show the original distribution of lands 
in this township: 



LAND ENTRIES PRIOR TO 1841. 

TOWNSmP 7 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST. 

Section 2. Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 
Beach, May 10, 1836. 
Altha E. Mather, June 16, 1836. 
Mark Healey and Benjamin B. Kercheval, June 29, 

1836. 
Squire Gray, March 10, 1837. 
Emory F. Lincoln, March 11, 1837. 
Henry Hawkins and Van Rensselaer Hawkins, March 
11, 1837. 
Section 3. Dickinson, Imlay and Beach, May 10, 1836. 
John Woodbury, June 16, 1836. 
Healey and Kercheval, June 29, 1836. 
Richard L. Clark, July 15, 1836. 
Henry Hawkins and Van Rensselaer Hawkins, March 
11, 1837. 
Section 5. David Mack, Jr., and N. Dickinson, March 1, 1836. 
Nathan Dickinson and Carlton B. Newbury, March 1, 
1836. 
Section 6. David Mack, Jr., and Nathan Dickinson, March 1, 
1836. 
Nathan Dickinson and Carlton B. Newbury, March 1, 

1836. 
Edmund Russell, June 16, 1836. 
Section 7. Edward Dickinson, March 1, 1836. 

Luther Root, March 1, 1836. 
Section 8. David Mack, Jr., and Nathan Dickinson, March 1, 
1836. 
Ira Wilbur, November 17, 1836. 
Section 10. Nathan Dickinson, Wilham H. Imlay and George 
Beach, May 2, 1836. 
Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 

Beach, May 10, 1836. 
James Deneen, November 4, 1836. 
Timothy Church, February 27, 1837. 
Nathan Dickinson, January 5, 1837. 
John Lamb, March 7, 1837. 
Orris Smith, March 7, 1837. 
Section 11. Nathan Dickinson, Wilham H. Imlay and George 
Beach, May 2, 1836. 
Richard L. Clark, July 15, 1836. 
Nathan Dickinson, January 5, 1837. 
George Taylor, Jr., January 25, 1837. 
Section 13. Charles C. Trowbridge, E. Farns worth and Sylvester 
Sibley, July 13, 1836. 
Luther Root, August 6, 1836. 
Edward Dickinson, August 6, 1836. 
Section 14. Dickinson, Imlay and Beach, May 2, 1836. 

Trowbridge, Farns woith and Sibley, July 13, 1836. 
Nathan Dickinson, February 2, 1837. 
Nathan Dickinson, February 15, 1837. 
Section 15. Dickinson, Imlay and Beach, May 2, 1836. 
Harmon L. Salisbury, July 12, 1836. 
Luther Shaw, November 4, 1836. 
Luther Shaw, December 5, 1836. 
Nathan Dickinson, January 5, 1837. 
John Shaw, January 18, 1837. 
Reuben Howland, February 18, 1837. 
Thaddeus Thompson, March 24, 1837. 
Olive Ann Webb, April 3, 1837. 
Section 17. John B. and Calvin A. Shaw, October 10, 1835. 



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HISTOKY OF LAPEBE COUNTY. 166 


jrt 




Section 


17. 


Luther Shaw, October 15, 1835. 

D. Mack, Jr. and N. Dickinson, March 1, 1836. 

Anson Parsons, September 23, 1836. 


Section 32. Thomas J. Potter, September 30, 1835. 
Henry Rawles, February 18, 1836. 
George Dexter, February 16, 1836. 






• Section 


18. 


Nathan Dickinson and Carlton B. Newberry, March 

1, 1836. 
Levi D. Cowles, March 1, 1836. 
Dickinson, Imlay and Beacli, March 2, 1836. 


N. Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George Beach, 

March 1, 1836. 
Martin F. Southwell, December 3, 1836. 
Section 33. William Boles, February 17, 1832. 






Section 19. 


Levi D. Cowles, March 1, 1836. 


Marshal Cram, January 15, 1833. 










Dickinson, Imlay and Beach, March 2, 1836. 


Alexis Winchell December 2, 1833. 






Section 


20. 


D. Mack and N. Dickinson, March 1, 1836. • 
Chillon F. Dickinson, September 20, 1836. 
Anson Parsons, September 23, 1836. 


Abner W. Blackman, October 16, 1835. 
Samuel Deneen, October 16, 1835. 
Amasa Ross, November 6, 1835. 






Section 21. 


Joseph B. Deneen, August 3, 1836. 


Aaron B. Rawles, February 19, 1836. 










Henry L. Bice, August 3, 1836. 


Almon Penney, May 26, 1836. 










Samuel Deneen, August 4, 1836. 


Section 34. Luther Shaw, October 15, 1835. 










Anson Parsons, September 23, 1836. 


John A. Everts, October 16, 1835. 










Philena Lathrop, February 1, 1837. 


Amasa Ross, November 6, 1835. 






Section 


22. 


Dickinson, Imlay and Beach, May 2, 1836. 

Benjamin B. Kercheval, November 29, 1836. 

Orinel King, November 28, 1836. 

Philena Lathrop, February 1,1837. 

Omon Archer, March 7, 1837. 

David Sabin and Andrew Bryant, March 7, 1837. 

Wilham Courter, November 8, 1838. ^ 


Henry Waldron, May 23, 1836. 
Ebenezer Youngman, May 25, 1836. 
Wilham Arnold Jr., June 9, 1836. 
Wilham B. Owen, June 7, 1836. 
Seth Dewey, October 15, 1839. 
Section 35. James Chapman, May 17, 1836. 
John W. Dyar, May 26, 1836. 






Section 


23. 


Dickinson, Imlay and Beach, May 2, 1836. 
Trowbridge, Farnsworth and Sibley, July 13, 1836. 
N. Dickinson and Sylvester Sibley, December 12, 1836. 
James Drew, January 31, 1837. 


Henry Waldron, May 28, 1836. 
Wm. Arnold, Jr. June 9, 1836. 
Esther Nichols, June 9, 1836. 
Section 36. ' Henry Waldron, May 28, 1836. 






Section 24. 


C. C. Trowbridge, Elon Farnsworth and Sylvester 


Stephen H, Hanson, December 1, 1836. 










Sibley, July 13, 1836. 
N. Dickinson and S. Sibley, December 12, 1836. 














Section 


26. 


Henry Waldron, March 7, 1837. 


EARLY HISTORY. 






Section 


27. 


Amasa Boss, March 5, 1836. 

George B. Martin, March 25, 1836. 

John Taylor, January 25, 1837. 

Simeon Andrews, January 28, 1837. 

Dan Sabin and Andrew Bryant, March 7, 1837. 


The first settler in the township of Imlay was William Boles, 
who came from Portage County, Ohio, in 1832, and located on 
section 33 near Almont. Mrs. Boles was a sister of the Deneen's 
one of whom, James Deneen, had settled in Almont in 1828. 

The first child born in Imlay Township was Melissa, a daughter 






Section 


28. 


Luther Shaw, March 24, 1836. 
George B. Martin, March 25, 1836. 
Gideon Gates, April 27, 1836. 
Truman Shaw, August 4, 1836. 
John I. Hamhn, January 6, 1837. 


of Mr. and Mrs. Boles. 

The next man to come into the township was Samuel Deneen, 
who arrived in the fall of 1832. He afterward built a house in 
Almont on section 4, and built a tannery on section 33 in Imlay. 

Amasa Ross settled on section 33 in the fall of 1835. Thomas 






Section 


29. 


Austin Day, June 2, 1835. 

Henry Kawles, February 16, 1836. 

George Dexter, February 16, 1836. 

N. Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George Beach, 

March 1, 1836. 
George B. Martin, March 25, 1836. 
Marvin Read, January 3, 1837. 


Hughes also located here this year. 

Henry L. Rice and Joseph B. Deneen located land in 1836. 
In 1837 Mr. Rice settled upon his land, and was followed the next 
year by Mr. Deneen. 

The first house Mr. Deneen built was constructed of logs, and by 
the joint labors of himself and wife. 

It is related by Mr. Rice, that being short of flour on one oc- 






Section 


30. 


N. Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George Beacli, 
March 2, 1836. 


casion, he, after a hard day's work, made a trip to Almont afoot 
and purchased of Ohver Bristol a bag containing 100 pounds; with 






Section 


31. 


John A. Everts, October 16, 1835. 
Henry Porter, December 8, 1835. 
Horace Mathews, March 1, 1836. 
Dickinson, Imlay and Beach,. May 10, 1836. 
Dickinson, Imlay and Beach, May. 12, 1836. 
Alvin Cheney, July 11, 1836. 


this upon his shoulder, he started about dusk for home. When he 
arrived at Belle River, owing to the darkness he missed the cross- 
ing, and not daring to wander far in any direction for fear of being 
inextricably lost, he laid down upon the ground with the flour for a 
pillow and went to sleep. A feat requiring considerable courage, 
when it is remembered that the howling of wolves could be heard 






Section 32. 


C. C. Parks and John R. Smith, December 12, 1825. 


any night around the cabins of the settler. Late in the night he 










Hiram Wilcox and John E. Beardsley, September 12, 


was awakened by something licking his face. Not daring to open 










1832. 


his eyes, he lay quiet for a spell and endured the licking process. 










Susannah and Joel Thompson, October 25, 1832. 


when suddenly he gcive an energetic yell and sprang to his feet at 






i 




Collatinus Day, June 2, 1835. 


the same time, nearly scaring to death his dog, who had come 




4 






Fabius Palmerlee, July 3, 1835. 


two miles to meet him and who was considerably astonished at his 


Is ^ 


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165 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



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strange reception. Under the guidance of the canine, Mr. R. was 
enabled to reach liome about daylight. 

John N. Deneen first visited the township in 1834, and six years 
later settled here. 

Charles C. Eogers settled here in 1836, and Mica Rogers in 
1838. Nathan Rogers also settled here in 1838. 

Heman Holmes, William Chur3h ill and a few. others followed, 
but the township did not settle rapidly. 

EARLY ENTERPRISES. 

The old Imlay mill, the first minufacturing enterprise of im- 
portance, was erected by Wilcox & Hovey in 183 i, the former from 
Roshester and tho lattsr from Romeo. It congisted of two miiley 
saws. Some time afterward a factory for taming wooden bowls 
was started a few rods west of the mill, which, not being a success, 
was afterward removed to Almont. Wilcox & Hovey were not the 
owners of any great quantity of pine and undoubtedly expected to 
make a fortune cutting for others. The mill was begun in the fall 
of 1833, the timbers being framed by Adam Boles. It w^as com- 
pleted ia February, 1831. The property atterward passed into the 
hands of the Imlay Mill Company. It was run for several years as 
a water mill, but was not a success, and a steam mill was built in 
its place. 

A mill was also erected one and one-half miles north of the pres- 
ent site of Imlay City, by Crowfoot & Morris, with the intention of 
working up their timber. This mill was afterward purchased by Tack- 
les, Mellen & Standish, who operated it for a short time and then on 
account of the low price of lumber, quit manufacturing and lum- 
bered the balance of their pine on Mill Creek. The machinery was 
moved, to what place deponent saith not. The building afterward 
fell into the hands of Jas. Barstow, who started a tannery and feed 
miU, which was conducted for a short time with varied success. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Township 7 north, of range 12 east, was detached from Al- 
mont and township 8 north, of range 12 east, from Lapeer, and or- 
ganized under the name of Imlay. 

William H. Imlay, from whom the township drew its name, 
was an eastern capitalist, and who, with Walter P. Beech, then 
president of a Hartford bank, turned their attention to the immense 
pine forests of Michigan. Many large tracts were purchased, among 
them being one which included a considerable portion of the town- 
ships of Attica and Imlay. It is related of Mr. Imlay that in his 
boyhood days he was in the employ of an extensive Boston packing 
house, and that the firm having a considerable number of barrels of 
beef spoil on their hands, young Imlay was commissioned to empty the 
beef into Boston Harbor. Instead of so doing, he chartered a lighter, 
and loading it with the beef together with a barrel of No. 1 prime, 
which he purchased, he went out to the British fleet and sold the 
entire lot by sample from the good barrel. Mr. Imlay was a noted 
Tory, and when the war of 1812 commenced he still continued his 
beef speculations by selling to the EngHsh agents surreptitiously. 
The war ended and politics running high, Mr. Imlay was placed in 
nomination by the Tory element for official position. He was, how- 
ever, defeated through the efforts of the opposition, whose tactics were 
to parade the streets in large numbers, shouting, "Who sold beef to 
the British?" then adding ia basso tones, " William fl. Tmlaij.'' 

At the date of organization as a township Imlay had a popu- 
lation of about seventy persons. The first township meeting w^as 
held at the residence of Joseph B. Deneen and at which, in accord- 
ance with the legislative decree, the temporary election board 
consisted as follows: Samuel Rogers, chairman; John N. Deneen, 
clerk; Amos Hewitt and Joseph B. Deneen, inspectors. After 
taking the constitutional oath the pells w^ere opened between the 



hours of 9 and 10 o'clo3k a. m., April 12, 1850, for the first time in 
the township of Imlay. At this maiden election the crowd, instead 
of rushing about peddling slips bare-headed, quietly adjourned to a 
shady place near the sap bush and commenced shooting at a mark, 
for be it known, at that early day a reputation as a crack marksman 
was considered of more importance than the highest office in the 
gift of the township. It being right in sugar season a messenger 
was sent up to the log house to ask Un3le Joe to "sugar off" for 
the crowd. The messenger found the election board disregarding 
the dignity of the position, yawning and faming over the slowness 
with which the votes came in and apparently envying, the out- 
siders the fun they were having and which was greatly aggravated 
by the oscisional crack of a rifle. Uncle Joe refused to "sugar 
off," but offered to sell them the syrup and lend the use of the 
kettle and sugar house to boil it in. By "chipping in" they man- 
aged to raise money enough to buy a gallon of syrup which was not 
near enough to go round, and as there was no more money in the 
crowd things came to a standstill. However Yankee wit came to 
the rescue, the gallon of syrup w^as emptied into the big kettle, a 
fire started, and perhaps bearing in mind the adage that "a watched 
pot never boils," the crowd once more commenced shooting; Mr. 
Robert Rice, then a young lad, scoring the shots. Every time a 
shot was fired young Rice would go out and examine the spot, and 
every time he went a gallon of Uncle Joe's syrup found its way 
into the big kettle. It is only necessury to say that the sugar 
"went round" at Uncle Joe's expense and was probably all the 
sweeter for being stolen. 

The result of this election when canvassed show^ed 33 votes in 
the teapot, of w^hich Samuel Rogers received 24 for supervisor. 
Amos Hewitt was elected town clerk, Charles C. Rogers, treasurer, 
and Samuel Rogers, school inspector. At this meeting it was 
voted to raise $50 for contingent purposes, and $150 for roads and 
bridges. The November following a general election was held at 
which the question of universal suffrage, then agitating the w^hoie 
country, was summarily settled by 12 votes being cast against it 
and 5 for it. The question of erecting new county buildings was 
also knocked into a cocked hat by polling 23 votes and all against. 

June 15, 1850, the partnership account with Almont was 
settled in full, the library books being divided in the proportion of 
$15 to Imlay and $58 to Almont. The total amount realized by 
Imlay in full settlement of all joint funds was $103.41. Novem- 
ber 6, the town board audited an account in favor of Rodolfus 
Eggleston of $4 for bounty on two wolves. Listen to the descrip- 
tion of Road District No. 2, as it was in 1850: ''Commencing at 
the southwest quarter stake of section 33, thence east three and a 
half miles to the southeast corner of the township, thence north 
twelve miles to the northeast corner of what is now the township 
of Goodland, thence west one and a half miles, south six miles, 
west two miles, south three and a half miles, west one mile, south 
one mile, east one mile, south one and a half miles, to place of 
beginning." Think of being pathmaster of a realm of thirty-three 
miles around it. 

At the second spring election (1851) but 21 votes were cast, 
12 less than the year previous. We can well imagine the sarcastic 
spirit which actuated the highway commissioners in 1853 to submit a 
report like the following : "Whole number of days labor assessed and 
performed, 193. Moneys expended, $66, of which $11 was laid on 
Belle River bridge. The roads are unusually bad and in the opinion 
of your humble commissioners $2,000 ought to be raised for high- 
way purposes the coming year." 

The cream of this report lies in the fact that Imlay has never 
raised in any one year to exceed one thousand dollars for highways. 

In 1854 Daniel Black erected a saw-mill one and a half miles 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



167 



east of Imlay City. This mill was afterward purchased by 
Charles D. Smith who ran it three years and then sold it to 
Mosher & Kood. It afterward burned down, was rebuilt by Kobert 
Rood. Afterward it passed into the hands of Abner Hall, P. 
Middleditch, and others. The never-to-be-forgotten fire season of 
'81 totally cleaned up the ruins of this old landmark and to-day it 
bears no trace of ever being the site of manufacturing industry. 

February 12, 1855, the State legislature considering that Imlay 
and Goodland had been in partnership long enough, dissolved by 
enactment the firm. This name it is supposed originated in the 
ecstatic ejaculation of a pioneer who having found a location that 
tickled his fancy, uproariously exclaimed that he was well pleased 
and that it was " Good-land.'' November 30 of same year the town- 
ships met and made division of all town funds. 

In the meantime the pine tracts were being decimated rapidly. 
D wight was crowding his timber in the southeastern portion of the 
township to mxrket by means of the broad bosom (?) of Belle River. 
He also purchased the machinery of the old Imlay mill and 
removed it to other parts. The dilapidated old hulk afterward feU 
into the hands of Peter Ferguson, the irrepressible, who conveyed 
large portions of it to his farm in Almont. Enough however still 
remains to mark the historic spat of the first manufacturing 
venture in this town. April 4, 1859, Imlay had the honor of 
expressing her disapprobation of the question of erecting fire proof 
offices and a jail at the county seat, by casting 73 ballots against it 
and 11 for it. At this election the township library system was 
abolished by casting 83 votes in favor of the district system. 

In 1880 Rexford Rogers and James Harrington erected the 
Imky Hotel which is now owned and occupied by the Whitney 
family. It was confidently supposed that the location was destined 
to become the commercial center of the township. But we find 
that from '62 to '65 a considerable settlemant was looming up at 
what was called Black's Corners. The political balance was 
beginning to center around that august spot and when in 1871 the 
new Harrington Hotel was erected the thing seemed settled that 
here was to be the "Hub" of the future. Time demonstrates that 
nothing in life is certain, for this place with its fine start died the 
death of inactivity and was almost totally extmguished by a rival 
whose existence had not been dreamed of until the advent of the 
P. H. & L. M. R. R. became a settled fact. 

In the meantime the war of the rebellion was in progress and 
Imlay was called upon to fill her quota. September 19, 1864, 
an election was carrieJi without hesitation to bond the town in the 
sum of $10,000 to procure substitutes. The bonds were taken 
principally by citizens of the township, fully characterizing the 
loyal spirit which actuated our citizens and their confidence in the 
ultimate success of the Northern armies. 

The following advertisement appeared upon the town books 
May 11, 1864, I give it rerbatim: 

"Found on the highway near the residence of Ira Dodge by 
said Dodge one barrel supposed to contain pork on the tenth day of 
May." You will please notice that owing to defective punctuation 
much amusement may be gotten from the above "ad." Ira is very 
careful to assert that it was supposed to contain pork on the tenth 
day of May. The next day he caused it to be advertised, but what 
it contained then he does not state. This perhaps is owing to 
innate modesty and the fact of his having kept it in his house over 
night. Whether any owner ever turned up for that barrel "sup- 
posed to contain pork" the writer cannot say. If he did not it may 
safely be presumed that the town clerk and Ira secured enough 
"clear mess" to liquidate all fees and charges. 

July 1, 1865, the township voted upon and carried the prop- 
osition of furnishing aid to the P. H. & L. M. R. R. This aid 



was asked by virtue of an act of the State" legislature authoriz- 
ing the counties of Lapeer, Genesee, and Shiawasee, to pledge 
their credit to the extent of five per cent of the assessed valuation 
of their respective townships. These bonds were to bear interest 
at the rate of seven per cent, per annum, payable semi-annually, 
at the city of Detroit, and were to become due as follows, viz. : 
one per cent of the assessed valuation in eight years ; tw^o per 
cent in nine years and the remaining two per cent in ten years. 

Through some hitch in the proceedings, the bonds were never 
issued. Afterward the R. R. company demanded aid to the extent 
of ten per cent of the assessed valuation, which, upon bemg 
brought to vote, was summarily sat down upon ; the whole thing 
broke up in a row, heads were punched, eyes gouged and blackened 
and thus ended the question of assisting Brancroft construct the 
P. H. & L. M. R. R., so far as Imlay City was concerned. 

CHUKCH ORGANIZATION. 

In 1858 the first religious society organization was perfected in 
the Deneen school-house (Baptist). In 1867, having decided upon 
the erection of a church, a commencement was made, the location 
being upon the northeast corner of section 30. In 1868, the build- 
ing was completed and formally dedicated, this being the first ex- 
clusive house of worship in the township. In 1876, the necessity 
for its use no longer existing, by reason of the near proximity of a 
church of the same denomination at Imlay City, it was decided to 
remove the edifice to a location on the east line of Attica which 
was accordingly done. 

In 1869 the Catholic Church, west of this place, was erected, 
Mr. Morris, of Pontiac, donating the timber for its construction of! 
the Hulsart farm. The work was nearly all performed by donation 
and when completed was the second church edifice of the town- 
ship. 

November 4, 1877, the German Evangehcal Association dedi- 
cated a new church edifice situated two and three-quarter miles 
northeast of Imlay City. This society was the outgrowth of a con- 
siderable number of persons of German nationality settling in the 
north and east portion of the township. The structure is a credit 
to the society and an ornament to the community. 

GENERAL PROGRESS. 

The township was rapidly assuming a difiForent appearance. 
Its remotest extremities had been penetrated by industrious settlers, 
and dwellings and cleared fields were developing on every hand. 
The P. H. & L. M. R. had become an assured fact and the nucleus 
of a thriving market place was laid upon the line which has de- 
veloped into the Imlay City of to-day. 

Values were increasing: The J. B. Deneen farm, which was 
assessed at $150, in 1852, being placed at |3,600, in 1882. The 
population of the joint township, Imlay and Goodland, which con- 
tained in 1850, seventy persons, had, according to the census of 
1880, in Imlay alone, increased to 2,400, and with the exception of 
the city of Lapeer, is the most populous of any township in the 
county. To-day it has seven school-houses within its hmits valued 
at $9,000, and contains 851 children between the ages of five and 
twenty years, and expending an average of $5,000 each year for 
educational purposes. 

In 1881 the assessed valuation of its real estate was $423,660, 
and of its personal estate, $95,610, aggregating a total of over half 
a million dollars. 

April 3, 1871, it was voted that hereafter all township business 
be transacted at Imlay City. Black's Corners was losing its pres- 
tige and slowly but surely the railroad town absorbed its business 
interests until it remained without any commercial importance 
whatever. 



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168 



HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



Census of 1874: population, 1,840; acres of taxable land, 22,- 
658; of improved land, 5,008; number of sheep, 873; of horses, 
336; of cows, 142; products of preceding year, 3,369 pounds of 
wool sheared; 15,847 pounds of pork marketed; 27,804 pounds of 
butter made; 17,160 bushels of wheat raised; 20,005 of corn; 28,- 
603 of other grain; 2,055 bushels of apples; 7,160 of potatoes; 948 
tons of hay; 6,010 pounds of maple sugar w^eje made in 1874. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of the town of Imlay 
for the year 1882, shows the number of school children to have 
been 753; number of school buildings seven. The school inspec- 
tors for the ensuing year were D. H. 0. Dell, John Kobinson, Oscar 
Spencer, Fred. Pritzle, Joseph Horn, B. Kowe, John M. Leavens. 

TOWN OFFICEKS. 

1851— Supervisor, John N. Deneen; clerk, Martin T. Hol- 
comb ; treasurer, Charles Rogers. 

1852 — Supervisor, John N. Deneen; clerk, Martin T. Hol- 
comb; treasurer, Charles Rogers. 

1853— Supervisor, John P. Best; clerk, John T. Holcomb; 
treasurer, Charles Rogers. 

1854— Supervisor, Charles D. Smith; clerk, John N. Deneen; 
treasurer, John P. Best. 

1855— Supervisor, Mark Farley; clerk, William M. Smith; 
treasurer, John P. Best. 

Tlie records of town officers between the years 1855 and 1874 
have not been preserved, consequently there is no rehable means of 
ascertaining who they were. 

1874— Supervisor, William Quatermass; clerk, E. R. Reed; 
treasurer, Walter B. Churchill. 

1875— Supervisor, Wilham Hulsart; clerk, John Robinson; 
treasurer, Walter B. Churchill. 

1876— Supervisor, William Quatermass; clerk, John Robin- 
son; treasurer, Walter B. Churchill. 

1877— Supervisor, WiUiam Quatermass; clerk, George R. 
Manwaring; treasurer, Walter B. Churchill. 

1878— Supervisor, Walter B. Churchill; clerk, George R. Man- 
waring; treasurer, Henry A. Bartlett. 

1879— Supervisor, Walter B. Churchill; clerk, George R. Man- 
waring; treasurer, W. T. Dodge. 

1880 — Supervisor, Wilham Quatermass; clerk, George R. 
Manwaring; treasurer, W. T. Dodge. 

1881— Supervisor, Walter B.. Churchill; clerk, George R. Man- 
waring; treasurer, Wilham S. Marshall. 

1882— Supervisor, Walter B. Churchill; clerk, George R. Man- 
waring; treasurer, William S. Marshall. 

1883- -Supervisor, Walter B. Churchill; clerk, Emery J. Lan- 
ders; treasurer, William Quatermass. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

William M. Smith, resident of section 19, township of Imlay, 
was born in Delaware County, N. Y., in 1823, and came to Michi- 
gan in the fall of 1851. He purchased eighty acres of new land, 
which he has since hved upon, and in addition now owns seventy 
acres on section 19. He has been supervisor of the township two 
years, and clerk eight years. He was married in 1844 to Miss Abi- 
gail Riddle, of Delaware County, N. Y. Their family consists of 
two sons and four daughters, of whom two sons and two 
daughters are residents of the county, and another daughter 
resides in Tawas City. Mr. Smith was one of the first settlers 
in the township, as the whole population scarcely comprised a half 
dozen families at the time of his settlement. 

Oscar F. Black was born in Genesee County, N. Y., in 1829, 
and came with his parents to Michigan in 1834. They settled in 



the village of Almont, where his father (Daniel Black) engaged in a 
mercantile business, w^iich was the first store in the place. In 
1858 he (Oscar F. Black) came to the township of Imlay and pur- 
chased sixty acres of new land, which he has since owned and re- 
sided upon, and to w^hich he has since added eighty acres. He has 
held the office of township clerk and school inspector. He was 
married in 1852 to Miss Clarinda Myers, a native of Monroe County, 
N. Y. ; they have two sons. Daniel Black came to the tow^nship of 
Imlay in 1857, w^here he resided until his death, which occurred in 
1877, at the age of eighty years. 

Willis Taggart w^as born in the tow^n of Barry, Orleans 
County, N. Y., in 1838. His father (Roswell Taggart) came to 
Michigan, bringing his family, in 1851, and settled on section 32, 
in the towmship of Almont, where he still lives. He (Willis Tag- 
gart) was variously engaged till about 1870, w4ien he came to the 
township of Imlay and bought eighty acres of land on section 8, 
where he still resides. He also owns ninety-five acres on section 5, 
and seventy acres on section 6. 

JiRAH Card WELL w^as born near Attica, N. Y., in 1820. His 
father came with his family to Michigan in 1836 and settled in the 
township of Almont where the subject of our sketch grew^ to man- 
hood. In 1846 he bought a farm on the west line of Almont, w4iere 
he resid-ed two years when he entered into a partnership with his 
father-in law (Daniel Black) in a general mercantile business in Al- 
mont, and a year following he w^ent overland to California, wdiere 
he remained less than a».year. On his return he operated a saw- 
mill and afterward engaged in farming. In 1859 he came to his 
present home in Imlay and bought some new land which he has 
thoroughly improved, and to which he has added forty acres mak- 
ing him an even 100 acres. He was married in 1844 to Miss L. 
Black, of Almont, formerly of New York. They have a son and 
daughter. 

Nathaniel Smith, Jr., was born in Ontario County, N. Y., in 
1821. His people moved to Monroe County, N. Y., \vhen he w^as 
a child, and from there came to Michigan, in 1833. They settled 
in the township of Bruce, Macomb County, but remained there 
only a year, when they came to the township of Almont, Lapeer 
County, and settled on section 32, where they resided tw^o years, 
when they removed to section 33, remaining there until 1850. His 
mother's death occurred about this time, and his father sold out; 
but subsequently bought another farm one half mile w^est of the vil- 
lage of Almont, w4iere he died in 1853, in the sixty-fifth year of his 
age. In 1843 he (Nathaniel Smith, Jr.,) bought a farm in the 
township of Drydeii, wiiere he lived one year, when he engaged in 
blacksmithing in various places in the vicinity for several years, and 
in 1856 bought the farm w4iere he now^ resides on section 6, town- 
ship of Imlay. He first bought eighty acres but has increased it 
by after purchase to 160 acres. He was married in 1851 to Miss 
Ida Brainard, of Almont, formerly of Erie County, N. Y. They 
have one son and two daughters. Miss Brainard's peo23le settled 
in the tow^nship of Almont in 1841. 

Amasa Ross w^as born in the town of Sheldon, Franklin County, 
Vt., in 1805, and soon after the death of his father, which occurred 
in 1810, went wdth the family to reside in St. Arman, Province of 
Quebec, Canada, where he remained till about 1830, wiien he went 
back to Vermont. In 1836 he came to Michigan and located on 
section 34 in the tow^nship of Imlay, Lapeer County, w^here he has 
since resided, and is the owner of 190 acres of land, a portion of 
which is on section 3, and the balance on sections 33 and 34. He 
w^as married in 1835 to Miss Samantha Neif, wiiose place of nativ- 
ity was Orange County, N. Y. Of a family of eleven children three 
sons and tw^o daughters are now^ living. 

Walter S. Lyons was born in Prince Edward County, Ontario, 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



169 



and resided in various places in Canada before he came to Lapeer 
County, Mich., and located in the township of Goodland. He af. 
terward moved to the township of Arcadia, where he bought and 
still owns a considerable amount of farm lands, which are on sec- 
tions 23, 25 and 86, aggregating 230 acres, and also owns a house 
and lot in Black's Corners, where he resides. He was married in 
1847 to Miss Emeline Ryckman, of Ontario, Canada, who died 
in 1848, leaving one son. He was again married in 1850 to Miss 
Sarah E. Lawrence, of Elgin County, Ontario. They have tluee 
sons and two daughters. In the township of Arcadia Mr. Lyon 
held the offices of treasurer and highway commissioner. 

Hiram B. Martin vas born in Whitby, Ontario, in 1830, and 
came to Michigan in 18^2. He worked at the tanner and currier's 
trade for several years in Lapeer County, purchased the farm upon 
which he now resides in 1856, was in the Lake Superior region dur- 
ing 1860 and in 1861 eulisted m the First Michigan Light Artillery, 
known as Ross' Battery, otherwise described in the State accounts 
as Battery B, and was afterward transferred to another regiment. 
Was mustered out in August, 1865, as second lieutenant of Com- 
pany A, Eleventh Regiment of United States Infantry (colored). 
He was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, l)y a piece of a 
shell striking him in the shoulder; but did not leave the service. 
He was married in 1865 to Miss Belle E. McRay, of Almont, for- 
merly of the State of Connecticut, and has two sons and oue daughter. 
Mr. Martin has held the offices of drain and highway commis- 
sioner. 



VILLAGE OF IMLAY CITY. 

This village is of comparatively recent birth. It is of railway 
parentage but its growth has been steady and of a character to 
foreshadow a promising future for the place which has already be- 
come one of the most active business centers in the county. 

The village was founded by Charles Palmer, chief engineer for 
the P. H. & L. M. R. R. Co., who saw the necessity of a market 
place on the line of that road between Attica and Capac, and pur- 
chased a tract of land for the purpose of building up a village. 
Prior to 1870, the only buildings in the vicinity were the farm- 
houses of Richard Hanley and Jonathan Hunt. 

THE BEGINNING. 

The early history of the village is told in the following article 
which was written in February, 1872. 

"This place is in Imlay Township, Lapeer County, and is the 
second station east, and twelve miles from Lapeer, on the P. H. & 
L. M. Raih'oad, and thirty- two miles from Fhnt. 

"One year ago last May, the ground now occupied by Imlay 
City was a wilderness, but now is a thriving place of about 500 
people, and a business point of very considerable importance. 

"It contains two hotels, four general stores, two groceries, two 
hardware stores, an agricultural warehouse, two boot and shoe stores, 
a furniture store, a drug store, two blacksmith and carriage shops, 
livery stable, planing and saw-mill and an elevator. Over 100 
buildings were erected the past season, including a school-house, 
45x50 feet, two stories, at a cost of f 3,000. 

"Mr. Charles Palmer, chief engineer of the P. H. Sc L. M. R. 
R., purchased 210 acres of land and commenced the erection of the 
Bancroft House here on the first day of June, 1870. On the 15th 
of August of the same year, trains commenced running to Imlay 
City, and two days after, the hotel was opened for business. It is a 
commodious, well furnished, three story building and was built at a 
cost of 110,000. The register of this hotel shows an average of 20 
daily arrivals, ^\^iich is more than some hotels, of larger pretensions, 
that we know of, can claim. It is now conducted, to the entire 



satisfaction of the traveling pubhc, by Mr. E. E. Palmer, who is the 
city postmaster. 

"The pioneer merchant here is Mr. John Borland, who keeps 
a first-class general store, and can entertain you most successfully 
with an account of things in general, but particularly as to his first 
experience in Imlay City. His books show that he is a successful 
merchant, and that Imlay City is an important center for the busi- 
ness of a large and fine region of country. He has paid one firm 
in Boston, for groceries alone, since locating here, $10,000, and has 
sold 30,000 pounds of sugar and 4,000 pounds of tea. Soon after 
him followed Mr. John Robinson in the line of hardware, Mr. 
Robert Hoag, and the firm of Robertson & Farquharson, with 
general stores. The last named estabhshment is conducted by I. 
Jefferson Carpenter, to whom we are indebted for favors. He is 
evidently an enterprising business man, besides being a good fellow 
and a favorite among the ladies. Volumes could not say more. 

"Follovving these c.ima Messrs. Griffin, with boots and shoes, 
Lyon, with groceries, V. S. Parmlee, hardware and agricultural im- 
plements, and N. J. Krusen, drugs, medicines, etc. 

"In the fall of 1870 the American House was opened by the 
brothers Melany. 

"The elevator was erected last season by Messrs. Lamb & 
Townsend. It is an imposing structure, 45x50 feet, 24 feet to the 
eaves, two and one-half stories, with a splendid cellar under the 
whole and addition for horse power. It will elevate 200 bushels 
per hour and has capacity of 20,000 bushels, and loads a car in 10 
minutes. 

"The total receipts of wheat from August 1, 1871, were 50,000 
bushels, besides coarser grains, fruit, potatoes and pork. The aver- 
age daily grain receipts are over 1,000 bushels, and on the 25th of 
January, as we saw on the books, 1,700 bushels were sold and 
delivered here by farmers from the adjacent country. 

"Grounds for the erection of a grist-mill early in the spring 
have been selected near the elevator. 

"Although the land in the immediate vicinity of Imlay City is 
still covered with the primeval forest, yet just beyond this, especially 
south and southwest, is found an old and rich farming country, 
unexcelled in the production of wheat and other grains, which finds 
its best market at this point. 

"The country north of the city for 27 miles toward Marlette, 
is also tributary to this place, and though comparatively new, is 
developing rapidly and comprises very much of good farming lands. 
All lumber camps for 25 miles north purchase their supplies, and 
about half a dozen mills ship their lumber and shingles here. 

"Mr. D. B. Charleson, of the firm of D. Thomson & Co., of 
Quebec, makes his headquarters at Imlay City, and will pay out 
this season $300,000 for square timber and staves, which will make 
()00 car loads. 

"The p issenger tr.xffi^ at this station is nearly equal to that of 
Lapeer, 4,000 tickets having been sold to passengers from Port 
Huron to Imlay City. 

"The liberality and enterprise of the citizens of this place is 
remarkable and must account in great measure for its growth and pres- 
ent prosperity. One thousand dollars in cash was raised by subscrip- 
tion and expended last season in the improvement of roads lead- 
ing to the city, and Mr. Charles Palmer expended $1,500 on streets. 

"The Baptists have purchased a lot and will commence the 
erection of their church in the spring, and the Congregationalists 
have raised $2,200 for the same purpose. 

"Immediately after the opening of the Bancroft House, a 
Union Sabbath-school was organized, which has been sustained 
with vigor, and to-day numbers 90 scholars, with an average attend- 
ance of 80. Wilhain Townsend is the superintendent. 









^ 




"The future growth and prosperity of Imlay City are assured 
beyond a doubt by the wide-awake character of its people and the 
business advantages which are so apparent. There is room for 
more such people and openings in certain branches of business nat 
yet fully represented. Among which we notice especially a first-rate 
opportunity for a hve man in the hne of a large carriage and wagon 
shop, and foundry and machine shop. 

"The medical and legal professions are most worthily repre- 
sented here by Dr. Geo. W. Jones, a graduate of the University of 
Buffalo, and Franklin B. Abbott, a graduate of Oberlin. 

"By the way, most singular to relate, there has not been a 
death, or a case of severe sickness, or fever and ague, since the city 
was founded, which is properly attributed to good water, healthy 
location, plenty to do, regular habits and the absence of those 
reprovings of conscience which attend the excesses, strifes and 
jealousies of older and larger communities, where life is more 
fashionable and artificial. 

"This city like others, keeps a sharp eye out for additional rail- 
road communications, and with good prospects." 

Again in 1873 the village was mentioned as follows: "The 
town has a Baptist Church; a union school, which has an average 
attendance of 100 scholars; lodge of Odd Fellows; and a weekly 
newspaper, independent in pohtics, called the ImJai/ ^'^ty Sentinel. 

"There are also five general assortment stores in the place, 
owned by John Borland, Man waring & Bancroft; E. W. Keed, 
Lamb & Townsend, and L. Calkins & Co; two grocery stores, owned 
by Hoag & Eodgers, and H. H. Lyons; a drug store, owned by N. J. 
Krusen; two hardware stores, owned respectively by V. S. Parmlee 
and John Kobinson; a cabinet shop, owned by C. H. Wells; a jew- 
elry store, owned by A. F. Tosh; two millinery stores, owned by Mrs. 
Delaney and Mrs. N. B. Eldredge; two meat markets, owned respect- 
ively by Messrs. Johnson & Putnam; a harness shop, owned by 
George Kinnee ; three boot and shoe shops, owned respectively by 
Messrs. Staples, Delaney, and Haskins; a barber shop, kept by Noah 
Brewer; two wagon-shops, owned by Messrs. Wees & Kilgour and 
Wright; one hotel, called the National, kept by WilHam H. Smith; a 
steam grist-mill, owned by Eobert Hoag, and a planing-mill owned 
by J. A. Woodruff, Dr. G. W. Jones is the only physician in the 
place, and F. S. Abbott, S. Walton and John Gormley the practic- 
ing lawyers. The livery stable in the place is owned by Frank Staples. 
There is one first-class elevator here owned by Lamb and Townsend. 

"Several private residences are to be erected during the coming 
summer, and the Bancroft House will be rebuilt." 

The Bancroft House was burned in January, 1873, and was 
not rebuilt until 1879. It is now a two story frame building, and 
is first-class in every respect. 

The first physician in the village was Dr. George W. Jones, 
who still continues his practice. 

The first lawyer was W. H. H. Cooper. 

The postoffice was established soon after the village was started, 
and E. E. Palmer has been postmaster since that time. 

The only bank in the village was estabHshed by John Borland 
in June, 1879. 

The Pontiac & Port Austin Eailroad passing thiough the* vil- 
lage is being completed in 1883. 



TNCOEPOEATION. 



The village of Imlay City was incorporated by an act of legisla- 
ture, approved April 4, 1873. The boundaries were defined as follows : 
"All that certain tract of land situated in the county of Lapeer and 
State of Michigan, being in township 7 north, of range 12 east, 
and described as the south half of section 17, the south half of the 
north half of section 17, and the north half of section 20." 



The first set of village officers was elected April 14, for the 
new "village." The following is the ticket which was elected with 
but slight opposition: 

President, George W. Jones; clerk, Frank S. Abbott; marshal, 
Wilham H. Rutherford; treasurer, Hiram C. Wells; assessor, Will- 
iam Quatermass; trustees, one year, William H. Smith, Henry H. 
Lyons and Henry Woodry; trustees, two years, John Borland, 
Charles Palmer and William Townsend. 

The ticket was nominated without regard to party or politics, 
the aim being to select the most capable men in the community* 
and those who had the interest of the place most at heart. 

The village officers elected each year since 1873 have been as 
follows; 

1874 — President, George W. Jones; clerk, Sidney W. Walton; 
assessor, N. B. Eldredge, treasurer, Hiram C. Wells; marshal, 
William J. Eraser; trustees, William Quatermass, Henry H. Lyons, 
William Townsend. 

1875 — President, John Robinson; clerk, George R. Manwaring; 
treasurer, Norman J. Krusen; assessor, Anson P. Campbell; mar- 
shal, A. H. Rutherford; trustees, John F. Staples, Abner Hall; 
William Townsend. 

1876— President, John Robinson; clerk, George R. Manwar- 
ing; treasurer, Norman J. Krusen; assessor, W. T. Dodge; mar- 
shal, A. H. Rutherford; trustees, Wilham McEntee, E. E. Palmer, 
Robert G. Brown. 

1877 — President, John Rpbinson; clerk, George R. Manwar- 
ing; treasurer, Norman J. Krusen; assessor, W. T. Dodge; mar- 
shal, S. A. McGeorge; trustees, Hiram C. Wells, Jacob Cohn, John 
Borland. 

1878— President, W. T. Dodge; clerk, John Robinson; asses- 
sor, John Robinson; treasurer, Henry A. Bartlett; marshal, S. A. 
McGeorge; trustees, A. P. Campbell, John F. Staples, N. B. Eld- 
redge. 

1879— President, Harrison H. Lyons; clerk, John Robinson; 
assessor, Wilham Quatermass; treasurer, Robert Hoag; marshal, 
William Goodwin; trustees, Jacob C. Lamb, Hiram C. Wells, 
George R. Manwaring. 

1880— President, Harrison H.Lyons; clerk, John Robinson; 
treasurer, William S. Marshall; assessor, Walter B. Churchill; 
marshal, William B. Goodwin; trustees, Joseph T. Messer, Charles 
Palmer, John E. Coope. 

1881— President, George R. Manwaring; clerk, John Robin- 
son; treasurer, William S. Marshall; assessor, John Robinson; 
marshal, John B. Hinks; trustees, Charles S. Marshall, W. T. 
Dodge, C. E. Messer. 

1882 — President, Jacob C. Lamb; clerk, John Robinson; treas- 
urer, W. S. M-^^rshall; assessor, John Robinson; marshal, Walter 
B. Churchill; trustees, Thomas B. Keyworth, William Quater- 
mass, Robert S. Babcock. 

1883— President, Henry H. Lyons; clerk, John Robinson; 
treasurer, Emery J. Landers; assessor, John Robinson; marshal, 
Wilham Goodwin; trustees, John McGill, Nelson Haskin, Charles 
S. Marshall. 

In 1876, a fire department was organized, and an engine and 
a hose cart purchased. It is a volunteer department. The fore- 
man in 1883 is Thomas B. Keyworth. 

IMLAY CITY CHURCHES. 

The fiaptist Society was the first church organization in the village 
of Imlay City. This denomination was the first to organize in the 
township as already mentioned. In 1871 the society in the village 
was organized, and the following year their house of worship was 
completed and dedicated. The dedicatory services were held, Au- 
gust 25, and the event was described at the time as follows: "Last 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



171 



Sabbath, the 25th inst., was the day set apart for the dedication 
ceremonies of the Baptist Qhurch, at this place, it being the first 
building erected for reHgions purposes. The day was a fine one, 
and as expected, a large and respectable audience was present to 
listen to the services, which were conducted in the morning by Rev. 
Mr. Morehouse, of Saginaw, and in the evening by Rev. Mr. 
Mathew, of Detroit. The gathering was undeniably the largest that 
has ever been seen in this place for religious services. Considerable 
interest was manifested in the occasion, as was evidenced by the 
neat little subscription that was raised to pay off the indebtedness 
of the church, of $1,100, the whole amount of which was raised, 
and the church is now clear of debt: It has been built wholly by our 
citizens, having received no foreign aid whatever, beyond a tempo- 
rary loan of $500, while the building was in process of construction. 
The estimated cost when completed entirely, is a trifle over $4,000. 
It stands in the north part of town, just west of the school-house 
and facing south. Its size is 32x60 feet, and wlien finished will 
consist of two stories, a basement not yet completed, and an audi- 
ence room. The audience room is finished with pine and black 
walnufc, is intended to seat comfortably 300 persons, is well hghted 
and presents a very neat and tasty appearance. The building is a 
just cause of pride to the citizens of this place, who, regardless of 
classes and denomination, have subscribed so liberally for its con- 
struction. 

The pastor in 1883 is Rev. Henry King. 

The Congregational Society was the next to form, which took 
place early in the fall of 1870. The Sunday-school was organized 
October IG, 1870, with William Townsend, superintendent. 

In 1872 the school divided, a portion forming the Baptist 
Sunday-school. 

By invitation of the society a Congregational Council was 
called, which met September 3, 1872, and organized the First Con- 
gregational Church of Imlay City, which consisted of the following 
members: WiUiam Townsend, Mrs. Augusta Townsend, John 
Robinson, Mrs. Anna E. Robinson, N. B. Eldredge, Mrs. Laura A. 
Eldredge, Mrs. Orrilla Albro, Mrs. Anna Jones, Mrs. Lydia Smith, 
Mrs, Hattie Cook, Mrs. Elizabeth Hulsart, Miss Emma Hulsart, 
Miss Elizabeth Hulsart, Mr. J. W. Griffin, Mrs. J. W. Griffin, Mrs. 
Effie Palmer, Rev. J. A. Woodruff, Miss Sarah Woodruff, Mr. Ed. 
*T. Woodruff, Mrs. M. E. Campbell, Miss Belona Warner, Mr. 
Alanson Holcom, Mr. Wilham Griffin. 

John Robinson and William Townsend were elected deacons; 
J. W. Griffin, clerk; N. B. Eldredge, treasurer; Robert McRoy, 
George W. Jones, M. D., John Robinson, Charles Palmer, William 
Townsend, N. B. Eldredge, trustees. 

The society first held services in a small school-room ; after- 
ward by the kindness and generosity of Charles Palmer, services 
were held in the hall of the Bancroft House (since burned). After 
the erection of the present public union school building, through 
the kindness of the school board services were held there, until the 
completion and dedication of the present spacious church edifice, 
February 3, 1876. 

Revs. John Armstrong, William Siinkins, J. A, Woodruff, W. 
H. Osborne and A. R. Laing, officiated as supplies for the church 
and society until January 1, 1876, when Rev. J. B. Dawson became 
pastor. The present pastor is Rev. 0. A. Kosser. 

The M. E. Chukoh was organized in October, 1879, with Rev. 
Francis Berry as pastor. Some time prior to this services were held 
in the village by Rev. Laing, of Attica, but after a while were sus- 
pended. In 1879-'80 a chapel was built, and in 1882-'83 the pres- 
ent brick church was erected. Rev. Philip Price became pastor in 
September, 1880, and the following year was succeeded by Rev. 



Austin Wilson, the present pastor. The membership is fifty- 
seven. 



SECRET ORDERS. 



ODD FELLOWS. 



Imlay Lodge No. 116, I. 0. 0. F., was organized at Imlay, 
March 27, 1868. First officers: N. G., A. Porter; V. G., JohnH. 
Boulton; R. S., R. Farnum; P. S., Z. P. Marx; Treas., D. Pace. 
In 1876 the lodge was moved to Imlay City. There are, in 1883, 
fifty-three members. Officers: N. G., H. G. Thurstin; V. G., A. 
Haines; R. S., M. J. Haskin; P. S., John Robinson; Treas., H. 
C. Wells. 

Imlay City Encampment No. 56, I. 0. 0. F., was organized 
January 20, 1873. There are, in 1883, thirty-eight members. 
Principal officers: C. P., John Robinson; H. P.', H. C. Wells; S. 
W., George Ewen; scribe, Jacob Cohn; Treas., A. P. Campbell. 



MASONIC ORDER. 



Imlay City Lodge No. 341, F. & A. M., was instituted August 
6, 1876, with fourteen charter members. Officers: W. M., John 
Robinson; S. W., W. T. Dodge; J. W., N.J.Krusen; Sec'y, George 
P. Scranton; Treas., William Quatermass. There are, in 1883, 
forty-five members. Officers: W. M., Frank Calkins; S.W., H. H. 
Lyons; J. W., John J. Lamb; Sec'y, John Robinson; Treas., D. 
V. Yeiex. 



ROYAL ARCANUM. 

Eureka Council No. 28, R. A., of Imlay City, was insiituted 
in November, 1877, with the following officers: Regent, John Rob- 
inson; vice-regent, John Man waring; past regent. Dr. George 
W. Jones; orator. Prof. R. V. Langdon; Sec'y, E. R. Reed; Col- 
lector, H. H. Terwilliger; Treas. H. C. Wells; chaplain, J. F. 
Staples; guide, Henry Sanford; warden, H. A. Bartlett; sentry, 
A. P. Campbell. 

KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES. 

April 30, 1883, a meeting was hela in the fire hall and a tent 
of the K. of T. M. of the world, was formed by Joseph T. Marks, 
district commander, assisted by F. C. Hoskins, of Amos Tent No. 
35, of Sarnia, Ontario. The tent bears the name of Imlay City 
Tent. The following officers were elected for the ensuing term : 
Ex. Sir K. G. C, W. F. Berry; Sir K. C, James F. Perry; Sir K. 
Lt. C , A. Rutherford; Sir K. P., Frank Smith; Sir K. F. C, G. 
W. Jones; Sir K. R. K., R. H. Ransford; Sir K. sergeant, William 
Weir; Sir K. M. at A., R. Gaylor; SirK. 1st M. of G., J. Mcintosh; 
Sir K. 2nd M. of G., W. C. Hoskins; Sir K. sentinel, W. E. 
Bowen; Sir K. picket, Hiram Blow. A meeting will beheld as 
soon MS the charter and books arrive. 

IMLAY CITY NEWSPAPERS. 

The first journalistic effort in the village of Imlay City was 
the Sentinel, a seven column newspaper, established by J. K. 
Fairchild, now proprietor of the Berieir, at Harrisville, Alcona 
County, Mich. The first number of the Sentinel was issued Decem- 
ber 13, 1872. Its publication was continued about four months 
when it was suspended. The experiment was again tried and the 
Sentinel was succeeded by the Advance. This was published for a 
time by George R. Manwaring and afterward by E. B. Griffith. 
While he was publisher the office was entirely destroyed by fire. 
Mr. Griffith purchased new material and continued the paper for a 
time, but its publication was finally suspended. 

The Imlay City Herald was started in January, 1880, by C. F. 
& E. F. Gee. In 1882 E. F. Gee withdrew from the business which 
has been continued by Charles F. Gee. The Herald is a five column 
quarto and does a good business. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEK COUNTY. 



BIOGEAPHICAL. 

Jacob C. Lamb was born in the State of New Jersey in 1829, 
and came in 1854 to Michigan and settled first in the village of 
Dry den, Lapeer County, where he engaged with his brother, John 
M., in mercantile business, which he contiaued till October, 1882. 
He also owned lands and was extensively engaged in farming in 
that township. In May, 1878, he came to Imlay City and bought 
the grain elevator he had built in 1871, which he has since owned 
and operated and has also done a large produce business under the 
firm name of Lamb & Sons. In 1880 he established a dry goods 
business and organized the firm of Lamb & Co. The two firms 
have since been consolidated under the firm name of J. C. Lamb, 
Sons & Co., and is composed of J. C. Lamb, J. J. Lamb, Horace 
Lamb and W. F. Hall. The combined business is one of the 
largest in the county, the general store having reached an annual 
sale of f 75,000, and the yearly business at the elevator aggregating 
a quarter of a million dollars. They also do an exchange and 
banking business under ihe name of J. C. Lamb & Sons. Mr. 
Lamb was married to Miss Caroline Koberts, of New Jersey. They 
have four sons and one daughter. 

John eT. Lamb, of the firm of J. C. Lamb, Sons & Co., was 
born in the State of New Jersey in 1850 and in 1854 came to La- 
peer County, Mich., with his parents. His first business venture 
occurred when he took an interest in the partnership firm of J. C. 
Lamb & Sons, produce dealers, at Imlay City, and with whom he 
remained until 1883, when his company was merged in the firm of 
J. C. Lamb, Sons & Co., general merchants and dealers in ^ grain, 
wool and produce, and of which he is a member. He was married 
in 1869 to Miss Frances Eldredge, of Dryden, Lapeer County. 
They have one son and one daughter. 

Horace Lamb was born in the State of New Jersey in 1851 and 
came to Michigan with his parents in 1854. They located in the 
village of Dryden, Lapeer County, where he was engaged with his 
father on the farm and in the store until the spring of 1878. He 
then commenced a tour of the Western States and Territories, which 
he extended over two years. On his return to Dryden he engaged 
in farming two years; but soon thereaftef moved to Imlay City, 
where he engaged witli his father and brothers in the grain, wool 
and produce business. In 1883 he became a member of the firm 
of J. C. Lamb, Sons & Co., doing a mercantile, grain and elevator 
business. He was married in 1878 to Miss Julia V. Parcell, of 
Flint, Mich. They have one daughter. 

W. B. CnuRcmLL, the present supervisor of the township of 
Imlay, was born in Oxford County, Ontario, in 1837, and came to 
Michigan with his parents when about three months old. They 
settled first in the township of Almont, Lapeer County, but in Jan- 
uary, 1842, came to Imlay and settled on section 21, where he lived 
until 1870. The death of his father (William Churchill) occurred 
in 1870, and that of his mother (Susan Churchill) in July, 1873. 
Mr. Churchill received a deed of the farm from his father in 1858, 
and resided upon it till 1870, when he removed to Imlay City, but 
kept the homestead till 1878. He built the National Hotel in Imlay 
City —has been justice of the peace fourteen years, treasurer five 
years, is serving his sixth year as supervisor and was deputy 
sheriff four years. He was married in August, 1858, to Miss Maria 
J. Best, of the township of Imlay, but a native of Canada. 

W. F. Hall, of the firm of J. C. Lamb, Sons & Co., was born 
in the township of Almont, Lapeer County, in 1850. When sixteen 
years of age he engaged as clerk with the firm of Town send Bros., 
who were keeping a general store in Imlay City. At the end of 
one year the business was transferred to N. B. Eldredge & Co., with 
whom he also made an engagement and remained in their employ 



two years, when Mr. Eldredge failed and he was employed to close 
up the business. In 1880 Mr. HaU became a member of the firm 
of J. C. Lamb & Co., general merchants, and continued in fchesame 
up to 1883, when the extensive grain, wool and produce business 
of J. C. Lamb & Sons was consolidated with it and the firm of J. C. 
Lamb & Co. was merged in the firm of J. C. Lamb, Sons & Co., of 
which he is a member. He was married in 1880 to Miss Maggie 
McRae, of Cornwall, Ontario. 

John N. Deneen was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, in June, 
1816, and came to Michigan in the fall of 1840 and settled in what 
is now the township of Imlay, that time being before the township 
was organized, it then forming a part of Almont. He bought 
eighty acres of his brother on section 21, which he had taken up a 
short time before from the government. Here he lived until 1860, 
then went into the army, and on his return in 1866 purchased a 
farm on section 11, where he resided till 1882, when he removed to 
Imlay City. His principal occupation since coming to Michigan 
has been land surveying. He enlisted in 1861 in Company L, 
First Michigan Cavalry, and served in that regiment to the close of 
the war, re-enlisting as a veteran in 1863. Was wounded by a sa- 
ber cut on the hand at the battle of Gettysburg and was taken pris- 
oner at White Sulphur Springs, Ya., and saw confinement in Libby 
Prison and Belle Isle. He was in fifty-three regular engagements. 
Mr. Deneen has held the offices of supervisor, township clerk, 
school inspector, county surveyor and other minor offices. He was 
married in 1837 to Miss Ann Chapman, of Ohio, and to his present 
wife. Miss Sally E. Hennessy, in 1867. 

William Quatermass was born in Livingston County, N. Y., 
in 1811 and came to Michigan in the fall of 1835 and was for a 
time ill Kochester and afterwards in Auburn. In 1838 he came to 
Lapeer Counts and settled in the township of Dryden, where he 
was engaged in milling, and in the village of Dryden was interested 
in wagon-making. Was associated with J. H. Lamb in business 
and also conducted a store individually. In 1868 he went to 
Black's Corners and opened a general store, which was conducted 
under the firm name of Manwaring and Quatermass, and in 1872 
crane to Imlay City and engaged in the hardware trade which he 
continued about two years, when he retired from active business. 
He has been supervisor of Imlay four years, is the present treas- 
urer, and has held other offices of minor importance. 

Sidney Walker Walton, fourth son and sixth child of Jonathan 
Trumbull and Anna Walton, was born in Attica, Lapeer County, 
February 8, 1840. Jonathan Trumbull Walton and Miss Anna Rus- 
sell, of New York, were married when about eighteen years'of age, 
emigrating to Michigan and locating near Shelby, Macomb County, 
in 1827. During their stay of ten years at Shelby, two sons and 
two daughters were born to them. In 1837 they came to Lapeer 
County, then a wilderness, locating in the south part of Attica, on 
the farm since known as the Homestead. As years rolled on four 
sons and one daughter were added to the family, making in all nine 
children. Only the few survivors of early settlers can describe the 
privations and hardships endured by those early settlers who were 
first to fell the forest trees and make way for the great sun to shed 
its rays upon the face of a rich and productive soil. 

J. T. Walton was born March 26, 1808, and from the time he 
settled in the township of Attica until his death, he resided in the 
same place, the Homestead farm. He held the offices of justice of 
peace and supervisor several terms, and did considerable justice 
court law practice. 

Anna, first wife of J. T. Walton, was born August 6, 1808, 
and died February 9, 1853, of apoplexy. Nearly a year after her 
death Mr. Walton married Mi-fe. Sarah Osborn, sister of Senator J. 
Manwaring, of Lapeer City. Mrs. Sarah Walton was born in 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEK COUNTY. 



173 



New Jersey, October 9, 1809. She was the mother of two sons by 
her first husband, but had no children after her second marriage. 
She was a kind mother and devoted wife. After her marriage to J. 
T. Walton she continued to live on the Homestead farm until 
after his decease, which took place January 27, 1872, of paralysis, 
he receiving his first stroke in 1865, from which time to his death 
he was entirely unable to do any kind of manual labor. 

S. W. Walton from early boyhood was principally engaged m 
farming until twenty-two years of age, having appropriated only a 
small portion of his time to acquiring an education. On account 
of poor health quit farming and gave his attention to study and 
reading law, and in October, 1865, entered the law department of 
the Michigan University. After taking two courses of lectures 
graduated with his class March 27, 1867, returning home from 
Ann Arbor the same year, and in 1868 made a tour of the Western 
country. Not being very much pleased with Western hfe, re- 
turned to Michigan the following winter, and the following spring, 
March 24, 1869, married Miss Mary Starmer, of Dryden, and lo 
cated at Black's Corners, where he carrried on the drug and gro- 
cery trade in connection with his law practice, until June, 1872, 
when he sold out there and moved to Imlay City, since which time 
he has been exclusively engaged in the practice of his profession. 

Samuel Milson Starmer, father of Mrs. S. W. Walton, was a 
native of Lincolnshire, England, and was born February 21, 1807. 
He came to Ontario, Canada, when nineteen years of age, and there 
married Miss Esther Perkins. In the year 1836 he came to Mich- 
igan, and located in the township of Dryden. Mr. Starmer is one 
of the few now living who were among the first to settle in this 
county. His wife, Esther, the mother of eleven children, died April 
12, 1850. 

Mrs. S. W. Walton was born March 18, 1814. She is the 
mother of three children; Esther, the eldest child, was born January 
15, 1871, and Byron was born Jtdy 31, 1872. Frank was born 
March 18, 1880. 

Geokge W. Jones, M. D., was born in Durham County, Onta- 
rio, in 1839. He graduated from a medical college in Buffalo, New 
York, and also passed an examination before the Provincial Medi- 
cal Board in the city of Toronto, Ontario. He spent one year at 
the hospital in New York City, and is a member of the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. He practiced his profession 
ten years in Port Perry, Ontario, and in 1870 came to Imlay City, 
where he has since resided, and is known as a successful medical 
practitioner and was the first in Imlay City. He was tlie first 
president of the Corporation Board and was elected to that position 
a second time. He was married in 1870 to Miss Anna E. Paxton, 
of Port Perry, Ontario. Tney have three daughters. 

John P. Eggleston, M. D., was born in the county of Went- 
worth, Ontario, in 1851. He received his medical education at the 
University College, or Toronto School of Medicine, as it has since 
been called, in Toronto, Ontario. He graduated in 1879 and came to 
Imlay City the same year, where he has since practiced his profession. 

George E. Manwaring was born in the township of Dryden, 
Lapeer County, in 1833. On leaving school he took a position in 
the printing office at Imlay City, and afterward published the pa- 
per for a year. It was at that time called the Imlay City Ad ranee. 
In 1872 he took the place of Mr. Bancroft in the dry goods firm of 
Manwaring k Bancroft, which was then changed to Manwaring k 
Son, in which he continued until 1879, and since that time lie has 
been engaged in farming and lumbering. He has been president of 
the village board and also clerk two terms. Has held the office of 
township clerk seven years in succession. He was married in 1871 
to Miss Amy Kinnee, of Drayton, Ontario. They have one son and 
three daughters. 



Robert L. Gark was born near Ingersoll, Ontario, in 1849, and 
came to Michigan with his parents in 1855. They settled in the 
township of Lapeer, Lapeer County, first, but afterward lived in the 
townships of Hadley and Metamora. Mr. Gark learned and worked 
at the carpenter and joiners' trade, and has traveled considerably, 
being variously engaged. He was in the sewing machine business 
about six years, and in 1880 came to Imlay City and established 
himself in the watch and jewelry business, which he has since con- 
tinued and is constantly adding to his stock in trade. He was mar- 
ried in 1878, to Miss D. Beardsley, of Dryden. They have two 
daughters. 

W. T. Dodge was born in the Province of Quebec, in 1828, 
and in 1835 came with his parents to Michigan. They stopped one 
year in London, Ontario, on their way out, and on arrival in Michi- 
gan settled in Romeo, Macomb County. In 1853 Mr. Dodge 
moved to Barry Coimty, Michigan, and engaged in farming up to 
1871, with the exception of one year spent in Illinois and the time 
he was in the army. He then went to Plainville Allegan County, 
! and engaged in the dry goods trade, remaining a little over a year, 
I when he went to St. Louis, Missouri, thence to Romeo, Michigan, 
j and in 1874 to Imlay City, where he has since been engaged in the 
I harness and livery business. He enlisted in 1862 in Company F, 
1 Seventh Michigan Cavalry, and received a saber wound in the hip 
, in the battle of Gettysburg, which caused his discharge on account 
of physical disability. In February, 1865, he re-entered the service, 
receiving a second lieutenant's commission, and was afterward pro- 
moted to a first lieutenant. 

W. H. McEntee, proprietor of the National House, Imlay City, 
was born in Wyoming County, New York, in May, 1818. He was 
reared on a farm and at the age of eighteen went to learn a trade. 
He afterward worked at making fanning mills for a time, and in 1845 
came to Michigan and located in Utica, Macomb County, where he 
resided three years, from there he went to the township of Wash- 
ington in the same county, and formed a partnership with a Mr. 
Andrews for manufacturing fanning mills, which they continued 
four years. He soon thereafter moved to Almont where he con- 
tinued the same business for a time and was also engaged in 
farming two years. In 1873 he came to Imlay City and purchased 
the hotel known as the National House, which he has since owned. 
In 1875 he gave up the management of the house and devoted his 
attention to the practice of biw, which ho followed six years. He 
then returned to the hotel and has since had the management of it. 
[ He was m.irried in 1818, to Miss Mary Porter, of Utica. They have 
one son. Mr. M3EQtee, while living in Almont, held the office of 
magistrate. 

ROBERT S. Babjojk w IS bom in Pennsylvania, in 1827, and 
in 1828 went with his parents to Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he 
resided until 1855, when he came to Michigan and settled in Lapeer 
City. About a ye ir following he moved to the township of Burnside, 
Lapeer County, and purchased a farm on section 16 but soon there- 
after returned to Lapeer City, where he engaged in mechanical 
work until 1863, when he enlisted in Company I, First Michigan 
Engineers, and served to the close of the war. While in the ser- 
vice he contracted disease from which he never recovered. He 
was discharged in June, 1865, and returned to Lapeer City where 
he resided till 1875, when he moved to the township of Attica 
where he remained about a year. In the spring of 1877 he came to 
Imlay City and in 1878 returned to Attica, where, after spending 
another year, he removed to Imlay City where he has since resided. 
He was elected a justice of the peace in 1881 and still retains the 
office, and is also one of the village trustees. He was married in 
July, 1878, to Miss Sehnda Riedy, of Attica. 

H. E. Tripp was born in the township of Dryden, Lapeer 



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HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



County, Michigan, in 1859. In the spring of 1882 he came to Imlay 
City and purchased an interest in a furniture and undertaking bus- 
iness and organized the firm of Eansford & Tripp, which contin- 
ued about one year when Mr. Tripp took the business individually 
and which he has since conducted. His parents were among the 
earhest settlers in the township of Dry den. He was married in 
1881 to Miss Eose Utley of that township. 

John F. Mum was born near Paisley, Scotland, in 1837, and 
came to the United States with his uncle's family in 1844. They 
settled in the township of Almont, Lapeer County, Michigan. When 
he was fourteen years old he started out for himself and engaged in 
lumbering and farming. In 1859 he purchased a farm in the 
township of Imlay where he has lived up to the present time. Since 
1875 he has been engaged in the sale of agricultural implements, 
and has warerooms in Imlay City. He was married in 1858 to 
Miss Sarah J. Eogers,of Lapeer County, formerly of Macomb Coun- 
ty. They have three sons and two daughters. Mr. Muir still owns 
40 acres of land where he originally settled. 

Daniel McGillis, proprietor of the Bancroft House, Imlay City, 
was born in Glengarry County,Ontario, in 1844. He came to Mich- 
igan in 1861 and was in different parts of the States up to 1870 
when he came to Imlay City, and in 1878 engaged in the hotel bus- 
iness, first taking the National Hotel, which he conducted until 
1879 when he bought his present stand — the Bancroft House — 
which he rebuilt and refurnished, and now has one of the most 
commodious public houses in this section of country. He was 
married in 1873 to Miss Anna Powell, of Lexington, Michigan, 
whose people came there from Canada in an early day. They have 
three sons and one daughter. 

H. H. Lyons was born in 1840 in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and 
came to Michigan in 1862. He purchased a farm in the township 
of Elba, Lapeer County, Michigan, near the site of the railroad sta- 
tion, remaining upon it but a year when he engaged in lumbering 
near Saginaw City. Soon thereafter he returned to Ohio, and a 
year later came back to Saginaw, where after stopping a short time, 
he came to the township of Oregon where he engaged in mercan- 
tile business a year, when he again returned to Ohio remaining two 
years. In 1871, he again came back to Lapeer County and located 
in Imlay City where he has since resided. He engaged first in the 
sale of groceries and boots and shoes which he continued for five 
years, when he purchased of N. J. Krusen a half interest in his 
drug business. In 1878 Mr. Krusen retired leaving Mr. Lyons the 
sole owner and proprietor of the business which he has continued 
up to the present (1883) time. He was married in 1861 to Miss 
Martha Brooks, of Ashtabula County, Ohio, and has one son. Mr. 
Lyons is serving his third term as president of the board of trustees 
of the village, p.nd has been a member of the common council for 
^^Q years. 

D. V. Yerex, M. D. was born in Picton, Prince Edward County, 
Ontario, in 1846, and in 1864 went to Toronto, where he attended 
the normal training school for a year, when he entered the medical 
university of Toronto, remaining two years, after which he went to 
Belleviie Hospital, New York City where he graduated at the end of 
a year. In 1869 he came to the township of Imlay and practiced 
his profession, removing in 1877 to Imlay City where he has since 
resided. He is the oldest practitioner in the township, and is also 
a notary public. 

Haskin Brothers, who are conducting a general mercantile bus- 
iness in dry-goods, groceries, boots and shoes, clothing and custom 
tailoring, are the successors of John Borland & Co. The business 
was estabhshed in 1871 by John Borland, but in 1874 Nelson Has- 
kin took an interest and has since continued in the business. The 
firm of Haskin Brothers was organized in 1881 and is composed of 



Nelson Haskin and M. J. Haskin. Since that time they have 
enlarged their store from 22x65 to 45x105 and increased their 
business from f 20,000 per year in sales, to more than three times 
that amount, their pay roll for help alone amounting to about f 400 
per month. 

Nelson Haskin was born in Ontario County, Ontario, in 1849, 
and came to Michigan in 1871. With the exception of one year spent 
in farming in the township of Imlay, Lapeer County, he has been 
actively engaged in business as above represented. He was married 
in 1872 to Miss Ella Mosher of Mt. Clemens, Macomb County, 
Michigan. They have two sons and two daughters. 

M. J. Haskin was born in Ontario Counfcy, Ontario, in 1853, 
and came to Michigan in 1871. He was the first to do a tailoring 
business in Imlay City, and in 1878 he engaged in merchant tailor- 
ing which he continued until 1881, when the firm of Haskin Broth- 
ers was organized. He was married in 1871 to Miss S. A. Black, of 
Almont, Lapeer County, They have one son and three daughters. 

John Borland was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in January, 
1832, and came to the United States in 1852. He first came in 
1862 to Eomeo, Macomb County, Michigan, where he engaged for 
one year as a clerk for Henry Stephens who has lately carried on 
extensive lumbering operations at Fish Lake. In 1863 Mr. Borland 
opened a boot and shoe store in xilmont, Lapeer County, which he 
conducted for three years, when he changed to a general store which 
he continued till 1870 when he sold out and came to Imlay City and 
opened a general store, the first place where goods were retailed. 
He carried on the business for five years when he engaged in grain 
buying at which he continued for two years when he closed his bus- 
iness and made a trip to Europe. On his return he established a 
bank at Imlay City of which he has since been manager and pro- 
prietor. He was married in 1858 to Miss Mary H. Scranton, of 
Eomeo, Michigan. They have two sons and tAvo daughters; John 
Jr., Willie, Alice and Nellie. 

Charles F. Kood, of the firm of Eood and Kidder, manufactur- 
ers of wagons, carriages, sleighs and general blacksmiths, Imlay 
City, was born in the township of Eay, Macomb County, Michigan, 
in 1856. He learned the trade of wagon making in Eomeo, Mich- 
igan, and in 1878 came to Imlay City where he worked at his trade 
till January, 1883, when he formed a partnership as above named. 
He was married in 1874 to Miss N. E. Dodge, of Berlin, St. Clair 
County, Michigan. They have a son and daughter. 

Charles E. Welton was born in Northumberland County, 
Ontario, in 1851. He came to Michigan in 1877, and settled in 
Imlay City in 1881, buying out the livery business carried on by P. 
Newburg. He has since conducted the stable which is fully sup- 
plied and equipped and solicits the patronage of the traveling public. 
Mr. Welton was married in January, 1883, to Miss Frances Warner, 
of Imlay City. 



TOWI^^ OF GOODLAND. 

The town of Goodland, in the eastern tier of towns of Lapeer 
County, is bounded on the north by the town of Burnside, west 
by Arcadia, south by Imlay, and east by St. Clair County. Its 
surface is generally rolling, except along the hne of Mill Creek, 
where is a considerable extent of swamp and marsh. This town 
has been the scene of considerable lumbering operations in its 
earlier days, many millions of pine having been driven out MiU 
Creek. The soil is generally a clay loam, and its fertihty will be 
indicated by the statistics of production in the following statement. 
Census of 1874: Population, 920; acres of taxable land, 22,578; 
improved land, 4,615; number of sheep, 684; of horses, 239; of 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEK COUNTY. 



176 



cows, 365; pounds of wool sheared preceding year, 2,871; pounds 
of pork marketed, 19,009; pounds of butter made, 14,564; bushels 
of wheat raised, 9,004; corn, 7,485; of other grains, 20,333; bushels 
of apples, 1,704; of potatoes, 6,643; tons of hay cut, 1,010. 

According to the census of 1880, the population of Goodland 
was 1,241, and its aggregate valuation of real and personal 
property as equalized by the county board of supervisors, $306,000. 



Section 1. 



Section 2. 



Section 3. 

Section 4. 

Section 5. 

Section 6. 

Section 7. 



Section 8. 

Section 9. 

Section 10. 

Section 11. 

Section 12. 

Section 13. 



Section 14. 



Section 16. 



ENTEIES OF LAND PRIOK TO 1856. 
township 8 noeth, kange 12 east. 
D. Mack, Jr., and N. Dickinson, August 6, 1836. 
Charles Merrill, June 30, 1853. 
Chester Carleton, June 30, 1853. 
Chester Carleton, August 19, 1853. 
Philip Corman, November 15, 1854. 
Moses Bennett, February 6, 1855. 
William F. Clark, February 15, 1855. 
Nathan Dickinson, January 25, 1837. 
Lucretius H. Cobb, February 16, 1837. 
Rollin C. Smith, April 15, 1853. 
Charles Kellogg, August 23, 1859. 
Fitz W. Fish, February 26, 1859. 
Bennet Young, November 30, 1854. 
Stephen Smith, December 5, 1854. 
John Herlnns, January 23, 1855. 
Nathan Dickinson, January 25, 1837. 
Nathan Dickinson, March 30, 1837. 
Lucius Lyons, June 30, 1836. 
Lucius Lyons, June 30, 1836. 
Lucius Lyons, June 30, 1836. 
Sidney Gould, November 15, 1852. 
Merick H. Burlingame, November 15, 1852. 
RoUin C. Smith, April 15, 1853. 
Harvey B. Fuller, September 27, 1853. 
Nicholas Richardson, November 1, 1853. 
Becker Folsom, November 17, 1854. 
Lucius Lyons, June 30, 1836. 
Lucius Lyons, June 30, 1836. 
N. Dickinson, January 25, 1837. 
George C. Kibbler, October 10, 1855. 
Francis G. Macey, January 25, 1837. 
Silas T. Bancroft, November 21, 1854. 
Chester Carleton, April 4, 1854. 
Ephraim S. Jenkins, November 11, 1854. 
Francis G. Macey, Januar, 25, 1837. 
John Hawkins, March 31, 1837. 
Ira Davis, James I. David and David Carter, June 

6, 1854. 
Charles C. Crisman, November 30, 1854. 
James Smith, December 7, 1854. 
Francis G. Macey, January 25, 1837. 
N. Dickinson, January 25, 1837. 
John Squano, August 1, 1853. 
John Squano, September 9, 1053. 
John B. Sailor, July 7, 1854. 
Silas J. Bancroft, November 21, 1854. 
W. Parker, August 9, 1853. 
W. Parker, October 28, 1853. 
W. Parker, December 19, 1853. 
W. Parker, December 22, 1854. 
W. Parker, January 25, 1855. 
W. Parker, February 7, 1855. 



Section 18. 
Section 19. 



Section 20. 



Section 21. 



Section 22. 



Section 23. 



Section 16. A. Stewart, November 6, 1854. 
Section 17. Francis G. Macey, January 25, 1837. 

Rollin C. Smith, April 15, 1853. 

Chester Carleton, April 4, 1854. 

Theodore Parker, November 16, 1854. 

John C. Lyman, November 22, 1854. 

John Lathrop, November 29, 1854. 

Daniel Elsworth, December 14, 1854. 

Hiram Traver, December 14, 1854. 

Lucius Lyons, June 30, 1836. 

Randolph Manning, January 24, 1837. 

WiUiam Wilhams, April 26, 1853. 

Reuben Cole, May 31, 1853. 

Silas D. McKeen, January 24, 1837. 

Randolph Manning, January 24, 1837. 

Francis G. Macey, January 25, 1837. 

N. Dickinson, January 25, 1837. 

Eugene Smith, April 25, 1853. 

George W. Rood, June 14, 1854. 

John S. Stoddard, November 18, 1854. 

Eugene Smith, ApiH 25, 1853. 

Stephen Moore, December 12, 1853. 

Eugene Smith, December 19, 1853. 

Francis G. Macey, January 25, 1837. 

John Norton, Jr., January 26, 1837. 

John W. Strong, January 26, 1837. 

Eugene Smith and S. Moore, May 4, 1854. 

Amariah Roberts, November 17, 1854. 

Hiram C. Weils, January 22, 1855. 
Section 24. Ira Davis, James I. David and David Carter, June 6, 
1854. 

Lawrence W. Flansburgh, November 18, 1854. 

John C. Morris, November 18, 1854, 
Section 25. John Sarle, April ^ 1837. 

John C. Morris, November 18, 1854. 

Wilhston S. Penfield, November 23, 1854. 
Section 26. John Sarle, April 3, 1837. 

James S. Johnson, November 15, 1854. 

Wilhston S. Penfield, November 23, 1854. 
Section 27. N. Dickinson, Jatmary 19, 1837. 

N. Dickinson, January 25, 1837. 

Heman N. Strong, January 26, 1837. 

Rollin C. Smith, April 15, 1853. 

Ira Davis, James I. David and David Carter, May 
30, 1854. 

Montgomery T. Davis, November 16, 1854. 

James S. Johnson, October 3,' 1855. 
Section 28. N. Dickinson, January 19, 1837. 

John W. Strong, January 26, 1837. 
Section 29. Richard C. Clark, July 15, 1836. 

James Hills, March 17, 1851. 

Jacob Clock, August 9, 1852. 

Rollin C. Smith April 15, 1853. 

Rollin C. Smith, April 25, 1853. 

John S. Smith, August 2, 1853. 

Philo P. Brainard, September 16, 1853. 
Section 30. Lucius Lyons, July 15, 1836. 

Eugene Smith, March 31, 1853. 

Reuben Cole, April 27, 1853. 

WiUiam Mead, October 19, 1853. 

William Mead, November 29, 1854. 
Section 31. Nathan Dickinson, W. H. Imlay and George Beach, 
March 29, 1836. 



"If 



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176 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



Section 31. Francis G. Macey, January 25, 1837. 
Section 32. Dickinson, Imlay and Beach, March 29, 1830. 

Richard L. Clark, July 15, 183(). 

Ira Wilbur, November 17, 1836. 
Section 33. Richard L. Clark, July 15, 1836. 

Henry Hawkins and Van Rensselaer Hawkins, March 
11, 1837. 
Section 34. Richard L. Clark, July 15, 1836. 

H. and Van Rensselaer Hawkins, March 11, 1837. 

Rolhn C. Smith, April 23, 1853. 

Eugene Smith, April 23, 1853. 
Section 35. Richard L. Clark, July 15, 1836. 

H. and Van Rensselaer Hawkins, March 11, 1837. 

John Willett, April 3, 1837. 

Eugene Smith, April 25, 1853. 

[ra Davis, James I. David and David Carter,-May 30, 
1854. 

Isaac Clark, November 30, 1854. 

James S. Johnson, January 22, 1855. 
Section 36. John Willett, April 3, 1837. 

Ste^jhen Moore, December 12, 1853. 

Henry Sheppard, November 16, 1854. 



churches. 



EARLY HISTORY. 

Considerable tracts of land in this town were entered as early 
as 1836 and 1837, but these were all for speculative purposes. The 
first entry made for and followed by actual settlement was by James 
Hills in section 29, and is dated March 17, 1851. He however re- 
mained but a short time. To his suggestion the adoption of the 
name Goodland is attributed. 

Among the earlier settlers may be mentioned Calvin Maxon, 
first town treasurer, Reuben Cole, William Mead, Abner C. Folsom, 
first town clerk, subsequently clerk of Arcadia and now clerk of 
Deerfield, Amariah Roberts, Daniel Ellsworth , first supervisor, John 
Lathrop, Henry Lamphire, WiUiam H. Smith, James Erity, Archi- 
bald Stuart, Benjamin Stuart, Fike, John Lymxn, Isaac 

Clark, Hiram Traverse, John C. Morris, William Hagadone, Daniel 
W. Baker, Tlieo. Tucker, James S. Johnson. 

The first child born in the town was Ellen, daughter of Reuben 
Cole. 

The first religious services were held in the log school-house 
in the Erity district. Elder Leonard being the preacher; and a class 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church was formed. 

Some of the earher settlers came in by boat up Mill Creek. 
William H. Smith's family came in thus, and being overtaken, or 
rather met by the ague which attacked some of the party, they were 
obliged to camp among the Indians on the marsh which bordered 
the creek. Their team came through from Lynn, St. Clair County, 
their former residence, by the trail. This was in the fall of 1854. 

At the time of the first town meeting there were no roads laid 
out, and Mill Creek had to be crossed on a log. 

The first school-house wa-s the Cole school-house, in Fractional 
District No. 1, which was organized in 1855, the school-house being 
built the same year by Lyman Rutherford. Abner C. Folsom was direc- 
tor. Seventeen dollars was paid for clearing the ground. It was 
late in the year when school commenced and the teacher, Mrs. 
Garvey, built a fire by a pine stump near the house and there held her 
school, there being no stove in the house. 

At an early day in the history of" the town a posfcoffice was 
established at the house of Amariah Roberts, Mr. Roberts being 
postmaster. Henry M. Buchanan is the present postmaster, the 
office being at his house, on section 21. 



In the fah of 1879 the Methodist Protestant Society built a 
plain neat church edifice in the southwest part of the town, opposite 
the cemetery. This was under the pastorate of Elder Crandall. 
Elder Eastlake is now pastor in charge. 

Classes of the Methodist Episcopal Church hold services at the 
Cole school-house and at other places. 

The Free Methodists have services in the Folsom school-house. 

The church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints holds ser- 
vices in the Cole school-house. 

SCHOOLS. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of the town of 
Goodland, for the year 1882, shows the number of school children 
474, number of school buildings six. The school inspectors for the 
ensuing year were Josiah Sleeper, Adolphus Sutherland, R. Saigeon, 
T. Waller, H. M. Buchanan, E. C. Wheeler. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

February 12, 1855, township 8 north, of range 12 east, was 
organized as the town of Goodland. The first town meeting was 
appointed to be held at the house of John C. Lyman, but that not 
being finished sufficiently for the purpose the meeting was held in 
William Hagadone's shingle shanty. There were aboiit thirteen 
voters present, and the election resulted in the choice of the follow- 
ing officers: supervisor, Daniel Ellsworth; town clerk, Aboer C. 
Folsom; treasurer, Calvin Maxon; highway commissioners, Isaac 
Clark, two years, A. C. Folsom, one year, William Hagadone, three 
years; justices of the peace, William Mead, four years, Hiram Tra- 
verse, three years, James S. Johnson, two years, John C. Morris, 
one year; school inspectors, Daniel Ellsworth and John C. Morris; 
constables, Chnton Meade, Joel Cole, Daniel W. Baker and Theo- 
dore Tucker. 

It w^as voted to raise $250 for highway purposes and $75 for 
township purposes. 

In 1856 a final settlement and agreement between Imlay and 
Goodland by which Imlay agreed to pay to Goodland $85.45, and 
a note against James Hills for $60, being highway funds, and also 
one- third of the library purchases when the townships were to- 
gether; the said sum of $85.45 to be paid by order on treasurer of 
county of Lapeer. 

The first recorded action of the highway commissioners was on 
the 17th day of April, 1855, when they ordered an accurate* survey 
to be made of a road "commencing at the southwest corner of sec- 
tion 35, thence north three degrees, west on section line two miles, 
three chains,fifty links^ hemlock 18 inches, north 591^"^, west 69 links, 
thence north 35"^, east 15 chains, 93 links, hemlock 10 inches, south 
55^°, east 30, thence north 32^, west 20 chains, 57 links, hemlock 
7 inches, north 86°, west 66 links, thence north 3\ west on section 
line one mile, thirty chains. Whole length of road three miles and 
seventy chains." 

TOWN OFFICERS. 

1855 — Supervisor, Daniel Ellsworth; clerk, Abner C. Folsom; 
treasurer, Calvin Maxon. 

1856 — Supervisor, Daniel Ellsworth ; clerk, Abner C. Folsom; 
treasurer, Amariah Roberts. 

1857 — Supervisor, John C. Morris; clerk, Abner C. Folsom; 
treasurer, Amariah Roberts. 

1858 — Supervisor, John C. Morris; clerk, Henry M. True; 
treasurer, Amariah Roberts; number of votes, 52. 

1859— Supervisor, Marvin Wilbur; clerk, Henry M. True; 
treasurer, Amariah Roberts; number of votes, 76. 

1860 — Super\T.sor, Wihiam Allison; clerk, Henry Buchanan: 
treasurer, Amariah Roberts; number of votes, 95. 



I — ^— 



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HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



177 



1861 — Supervisor, William Allison ; clerk, Henry Buchanan; 
treasurer, Amariah Roberts; number of votes, 98, 

1862 — Supervisor, William Allison ; clerk, Henry Buchanan; 
treasurer, Amariah Roberts; number of votes, 68. 

1863 — Supervisor, Henry M. True; clerk, Wilham McRae; 
treasurer, Amariah Roberts; number of votes, 59. 

1864 — Supervisor, Benjamin Sleeper; clerk, William McRae; 
treasurer, Henry M. True; number of votes, 65. 

1865 — Supervisor, Becker Folsom; clerk, William McRae; 
treasurer, Henry M^ True; number of votes, 49. 

1866 — Supervisor, Becker Folsom ; clerk, Ghauncey B. Gould; 
treasurer. Sands Van Wagoner; number of votes, 69. 

1867 — Supervisor, Henry M. True; clerk, William L. Abbott; 
treasurer, Ephraim S. Jenkins; number of votes, 90. 

1868 — Supervisor, John Abbott; clerk, William L. Abbott; 
treasurer, Ephraim S. Jenkins; number of votes, 92. 

1869 — Supervisor, Henry M. Buchanan; clerk, Isaac Shotwell; 
treasurer, E23hraim S. Jenkins; number of votes, 86. 

1870 — Supervisor, Henry M. Buchanan; clerk, Seymour 
Sleeper; treasurer, Ephraim S. Jenkins. 

1871 — Supervisor, Henry M. Buchanan; clerk, Seymour 
Sleeper; treasurer, Ephraim S. Jenkins. 

1872 — Supervisor, Henry M. Buchanan; clerk, Seymour 
Sleeper; treisurer, Ephraim S. Jenkins. 

1873 — Supervisor, William Y. Mead; clerk, Seymour Sleeper; 
treasurer, Benjamin Sleeper. 

1874 — Supervisor, William L. Abbott; clerk, E. S. Hough; 
treasurer, David Churchill. 

1875— Supervisor, William L. Abbott; clerk, E. S. Hough; treas- 
urer, William H. Smith. 

1876— Supervisor, Henry M. Buchanan; clerk, F. B. Smith; 
treasurer, William H. Smith. 

1877 — Supervisor, Henry M. Buchanan; clerk, F. B. Smith; 
treasurer, William H. Smith. 

1878 — Supervisor, Wilham L. Abbott; clerk, F. B. Smith; 
treasurer, William H. Smith. 

1879 — Supervisor, David Churchill; clerk, Willard Harwood; 
treasurer, Alexander Shepherd. 

1880 — Supervisor, Henry M. Buchanan; clerk, William McRae; 
treasurer, George Broomlield. 

1881 — Supervisor, Henry M. Buchanan; clerk, Willard Har- 
wood; treasurer, Alexander Shepherd. 

1882— Supervisor, Henry M. Bu^hhinan; clerk, WiUard Har- 
wood; treasurer, Wilham Andrews. 

18B3 — Supervisor, Henry M. Buchanan; clerk, Silas M. 
Tucker; treasurer, William Andrews. 

THE FIRE OF 1881. 

The township of Goodhind was visited by the lire of September, 
1881. The property destroyed was named at the time as follows: 
Mixter, "hotel," two barns, a large shed and three straw stacks. 
James Cole's family occupied the house and lost nearly everything 
but the wearing apparel they had on. The buildings were owned 
by George Townsend, of Almont. David Churchill lost his house 
a drive barn and a large grain barn containing fifteen tons hay, 
300 bushels oats, 200 bushels wheat. The family saved nothing 
but a team and spring wagon and the clothes they had on. Loss, 
$3,000; insured in the Lapeer County Farmers Mutual for $1,700. 
Mr. Saigion's house, stable and granary were burned. A part of 
the household furniture was saved. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

W. L. Abbott can trace his ancestry as far as to his great-grand- 
father, Capt. John C. Abbott, of the British navy, who was mil- 



itary governor of Gibraltar from 1779 till 1783. His grandfather, 
John, was born in Ireland in 1777, being a farmer, and died 
at Montreal, Canada East, in 1863. His father, Wilham Abbott, 
was born in Great Britain, Feb. 8, 1808, settled in Canada East in 
1822 and in Lapeer County in 1856, and died Feb. 16, 1860. He 
was married in 1828, to Ehzabeth Ann Matthews, who was born in 
Armagh County, Ireland, in 1803, and died July 9, 1860, their 
family consisting of the following: Dora, John, William L., Chas. M., 
who enlisted and served in the war of the rebellion, taken prisoner 
at Buckland Mills, Oct. 19, 1863, imprisoned at Belle Island till 
March, 1864, removed to Andersonville, where he died June 13th, 
following. 

Wm. L. Abbott, the subject of this sketch, was born in Beau- 
harnois County, Canada East, March 29, 18B5, received a common 
school education and resided there till his majority, 1856, when he 
settled on section 3, Goodland Township, Lapeer County, Michigan, 
where he now resides, engaged in lumbering and farming, and at 
present has a fine improved farm of 310 acres. In his township he 
has held the offices of supervisor, township clerk, school inspector, 
etc. In his county he has represented the Second District in the 
State legislature during 1877-79, being a Repubhcan in politics. 
In 1860 he married Irene Churchill, who was born in Almont Town- 
ship, Lapeer County, in 1841. They have had seven children, Cas- 
sius E., born 1861; Jessie, born 1864; Minnie, 1866; Anna E., 
1868; Effie, born Aug. 13, 1870 and died Aug. 10, 1872; Charles 
L., born Jan. 5, 1873, died Oct. 31, 1881; 0. P. Morton, born Jan. 
20, 1877 and died Nov. 7, 1881. Her father, John Churchill, set- 
tled in Almont in 1837, married the same year to Ann Walker, and 
now resides at Imlay City. 

• Chilion F. Dickerson was born in Morris County, N. J., in 
1808, and, in connection with his father's family, settled in Wash- 
ington County, Pa., in 1811, and moved to Greene County, Pa., in 
1816, thence to Beaver County, same State, in 1820. In 1829 he 
settled in Niagara County, N. Y., where he remained till 1839, when 
he settled in Almont, Lapeer County, Mich., and in 1874 settled 
on section 32, Goodland, where he now resides. He has been 
twice married. First, Aug. 6, 1831, to Susanna Howder, who was 
born in Niagara County, N. Y., Aug. 8, 1812, and died June 3, 1873, 
having ten children, all of whom are still living, viz: Don C, born 
in 1832; Ellis A. Blackmore, 1834; Albina Seaton, 1836; Leonidas, 
1837; Adelaide Soper,1841 ; Helen Waller, 1843; Arabelle Whittiker, 
1845; Mary Mackey, 1848; Almaretta Lovelace, 1851; George Wil- 
lard, 1854. Second marricige, Sept. 22, 1878, to Mrs. Thomas San- 
derson, who was born in Washtenaw County, Mich., May 1840. 
Her maiden name #as Mahnda Stoddard and she was married to 
Sanderson in 1881. He died Jan. 31, 1878. leaving three children, 
Benjamin H., born 1862; George L., born 1865, and Thomas E., 
born 1873. 

H. M, Buchanan was born in Chemung County in 1836, set- 
tled in Berrien County, Mich., in 1856, and in Goodland, Lapeer 
County, on section 21, in 1859; has been township treasurer, clerk, 
and is serving his tenth term as supervisor of his township; was ap- 
pointed poc>tmaster for Goodland in 1834 and still holds the office. 
Married, in 1860, Mary J. Allison, who was born in New Bruns- 
wick in 1843. Their children numbered ten: Henry M., Jr., born 
1861; Laura A., born 1863, married in 1881 to Charles Kipp; Effie 
J., born in 1865, married in 1883, George Buel; Maggie, born 
1867 and died 1869; Bertha M., born 1889; Arthur L., 1872; Flor- 
ence B., 1874; Charles R., 1876; Mabel, 1878; William H., 1881. 

Benjamin F. Stuaet was born in Oxford County, Ont.,in 1829. 
Settled in Goodland, on section 16, in 1854; married in 1855 to De- 
lilah Whittiker, who was born in New York State in 1832. 
Twelve children : Eliza P., born June, 1856, died in infancy; Seth L., 






;fr 



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178 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEK COUNTY. 



1857; Mary A. Cowe, 1858, Hannah D. Tainter, 1860; "Willis F., 
1862; Carrie E., 1863; Delilah, 1865; Sarah E., 1867; Lucy B., 
1868; B. P., Jr., 1871; Ebbie, born March 6, 1878, died Nov. 1, 
1873; Frederick L., 1875. His father, Archibald, was born in Por- 
tage County, Ohio, in 1805, married Priscilla Green in 1825, and 
both are still living on section 16, Goodland Township. 

Jonathan Hunt was born in Oxford County, Ont., 1833, set- 
tled in Lapeer County, Imlay Township in 1856, and now lives on 
section 32, Goodland. Married, in 1860, Sarah Fairweather, who 
was born in New Brunswick in 1839. Six children: Phoebe M., 
born 1861, and died in infancy; Charles E., 1862; Laura L., 1864; 
Levi M., 1866; Jonathan E., 1867, and died August 24, 1868; John 
J., 1876. 

Matthew B. Tucker was born in Clinton County, N. Y., in 
1814; settled in Goodland on section 22 in 1858, and since residing 
there has been justice of the peace for sixteen years. Married, in 1833, 
Diana Lobdell, who was born in Clinton County, N. Y., in 1816, 
and died in 1843. Second marriage occurred in 1845, when he 
married Sophia Hewett, who was born in 1816 and died in 1881, 
leaving five children — ^Jephtha, Emery^ Silas N., Diana, Charles. 

David Churchill was born in Middlesex County, Ont., in 1833, 
settled in Almont, Lapeer County, in 1836, and in Goodland, on 
section 14, in 1861. Since hving in Goodland he has been super- 
visor, township treasurer and justice. He married, in 1857, 
Mary Jane Reynolds, who was born in Northumberland County, 
Ontario, in 1840, Six children: Violetta, born in 1858 and married 
in 1879 to Isaac Willis; Anna E., born in 1863 and married in 1882, 
Wniiam Ferry; Jennie, born 1868; Lucy, 1871; Frank G., 1878. 
His father, Truman, was born in Rutland County, Vt., in 1808 and 
died in 1870. He was married in 1829, to Charlotte Chadwich, 
who was born near Saint Catherine's, Ont., in 1813, by whom he 
had six children — Barney, David, William, Washington, Sarah 
Patton, Julia Schell. 

John Stevenson was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1829, 
Settled in Goodland Township, section 23, in 1874. Married, in 
1853, Jane McMillen, who was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, 1831. 
Their family consists of the following: Margery, born in 1856, and 
is a clerk in Detroit; Alex., 1858; Mary K. 1860, and is a teacher in 
Detroit. She was the first lady school inspector in Lapeer County; 
Jane, born 1869. His father, John, was born in 1801, married in 
1826 and died in 1881. His mother, Mary Kirkwood, born in 1801, 
and still living. 

Alexander Shepherd was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 
1835, settled in Almont Township in 1858 and in Goodland in 1875, 
where he has been township treasurer two terms. Married in 1866 
Jane Reid, who was born near Almont in 1844, being also of Scotch 
parentage. Four children — David, born 1868 ; Jennette, 1872 ; Anna 
Feb. 2, 1878, and died June 19, same year; James, 1882. His 
father, David, was born in Perthshire, Scotland', in 1807, and died 
March 21, 1883. His mother, Anna Lamond, was born in Forfi- 
shire, Scotland, in 1808. They were married in 1833. 

Thomas Barnes was born near Montreal, Canada East, in 1833. 
Moved to Toronto, Ontario, in infancy, where he resided till 1865, 
when he made Goodland, Lapeer County, Mich., his home, settling 
on section 25, where he now resides. Married in 1869 Eleanor Field, 
who was born in Haldimand County, Ontario, in 1830. Eight chil- 
dren— Joseph, born 1860; Thomas, 1862; Hiram, 1865; William, 
1867; Mary Ann, 1869; Eleanor, 1871; James, 1873; Gilbert C, 
1877. His father, Thomas, was born in England. Ship carpenter 
by trade, and was killed at Montreal by falling from the mast of a 
vessel while working. His mother, Anna Eaton, is still living in 
Ontario. 

Andrew Paton was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1851. Set- 



tled in connection with his father's family in Almont, La- 
peer County, in 1852. Graduated at State Normal School in 
1873. He had previously been engaged in teaching and after his 
graduation continued teaching till 1878, when he settled on section 
24, Goodland, w4iere he is now cultivating his farm. Married in 
1878 Mary Nowlin^ who was born in Wayne County, Mich., in 
1852, and who was also a teacher by profession. They have two 
children — Esther G., born August, 1879; Arthur L., April, 1881. 
His father, David, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, 1812. Married 
in 1849 and died March 7, 1878. His mother, Elizabeth Wood- 
burn, was borr in 1825 and is still living in Almont. 

Calvin D. Flansburgh was born in Greene County, N. Y. , in 1842. 
Settled in Almont, Lapeer County, in 1849 and on section 24, Good- 
land, in 1856. He is a farmer of 120 acres, also runs a mill for 
grinding feed for himself and neighbors. He was married in 1861 
to Alice M. Burlson, who was bom in Macomb County in 1845. 
They have six children — Emmet, born 1863; Herbert E., 1865; 
MerritW., 1867; LillieM., 1869; Alice F., 1872; Calvin D., Jr., 
1878. Lost one child by death, Carrie M., born February, 1876, 
and died May 5, 1877. 

His father, L. W. Flansburgh, was born in 1812 and died in 
1873. He married Maria C. De Witt in 1836, who was born in 
1814, and is still living. His family consists of Herbert M., born in 
1838; Edgar J., 1840; Calvin D., 1842, Giles D., 1844; Jane M. 
Churchill, 1846; Lawrence A., 1848. 

Charles Churchill was born in Almont, Lapeer County, in 
1845. Settled on section 24, Goodland, in 1870. Married Febru- 
ary, 1870, Jane M. Flansburgh, who was born in Greene County, N. 
Y., 1846. Their family consists of Luella, born in 1871; Everett 
L., 1872; Ethelbert, 1877; Carrie, 1882. Mr. Churchill enhsted 
in 1864 and served in the Thirtieth Michigan Volunteers till the 
close of the war. He also is the present school inspector for Goodland. 
His father, Levi, was born in the State of New York in 1812. Mar- 
ried Mary Pine and lives in Almont, where he settled about 1836. 

William Andrews was born in Wilshire, England, in 1836. 
Settled in Oakland County, Mich., in 1851, where he Jived till 1867, 
when he settled on section 13, Goodland, where he now lives. He 
is the present township treasurer and has been justice of the peace, 
highway and drain commissioner. Married in 1865 Mary A. 
Walker, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1835. One adopted son 
— John, born in 1866. His father, John, was born in Wilshire, 
England, and died about 1857. His mother, Maria Nipe, diied in 
1840. 

Harvey J. Folsom was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in 
1832. Settled in St. Clair County, Michigan, and in Almont, La- 
peer County, in 1848 and in Goodland on section 8, in 1879. Mar- 
ried in 1856, Malinda E. Clark, who was born in Dryden in 1838. 
Their family consists of Emily S., born May 28, 1857, and died 
June 24, 1859; Effie J., 1860; Laura A., 1863; John S., 1865, 
and died April 15, 1868; Mary Jane, born 1869; Flora E.,1871; 
Edson M., July 18, 1873, and died Feb. 9, 1874; Wilham H., 
June 29, 1875, and died Dec. 8, 1875; George H., 1877; Jes- 
sie B.,' 1881. His father, Asa Folsom, was born in Jeffer- 
son County, N. Y., in 1800. Married in 1826 and died in 1875. 
His mother, Sylvia Lyons, was born in the same county in 1834 and 
died in 1866. 

E. S. Hough was born in Dryden Township in 1846. Settled 
in Goodland on section 6, in 1872, since which he has been town- 
ship clerk and is a notary public. His first marriage occurred in 
1868 to Olive Smith, who was born in Almont in 1849 and died in 
1870, leaving one daughter — Gertie E., born 1870. Second mar 
riage in 1872. to Emily A. Hart, born in Ontario in 1851, by whom 
he has two children — Lena L., born in 1875, and Bertha J., 1878. 



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HISTORY OF LAPEER COUNTY. 



179 



Theodoee B. Hough was bom in xilmont in 1853. Settled on 
section 5, Goodland, in 1877. Married in 1874 Agnes E. McKoy, 
who was born in Hartford County, Conn., in 1853. Two children 
— Escar J., born 1875, and Myrtie E., 1877. 

Geokge 0. Hough was born in Almont in 1861. Settled on 
section 5, Goodland, in 1881. Married in 1880 Marian Murdoch, 
born in Almont in 1860. These three, together with C. D. Hough, 
of Attica, are sons of Ebenezer B. Hough, who was born in Con- 
neciicut in 1819, and settled in Almont in 1834, where he now re- 
sides. Their mother, Emily Johnson, died in 1867. 

George Broomfield was born in Northumberland County, On- 
tario, in 1843. Settled on section 17, Goodland, in 1866. Was 
township treasurer for 1880. Married in 1870 Isabella Rutherford, 
who was born in Bruce County, Ontario, in 1848. Eight chil- 
dren—Robert, born Oct. 20, 1870, and died April 1, 1871; Agnes 
and Jessie, twins, born 1872; Alice, 1874; Robert B., 1875; Anna 
May, 1876; William L., 1879; John James, 1881. 

Thomas Fay was born in Dublin County, Ireland, in 1836. 
Settled in Warren County, N. J., in 1848, and in Lapeer County in 
1850. Lived in different places till 1859, when he located on sec- 
tion 11, Goodland, where he now lives on his beautiful, improved 
farm. Married in 1859 Rozella Doolittle, who was born in 1839. 
Four children — Mary Jane, born February, 1860, and died March 
following; Stephen, 1861; Ida M., born in 1860 and died in 1864; 
NeUie, born 1864. 



TOW^N OF BURNSIDE.. 

Burnside is the northeast corner town of Lapeer County, 
bounded on the north and east by Sanilac County, west by the 
towns of Burlington and North Branch, and south by Goodland. 
The surface of the country is generally rolling,, and the soil a clay 
loam. In the eastern and northeastern part of the town is a consid- 
erable extent of level and low land, of which but little is now under 
cultivation. It is, however, subject to ready drainage, and a con- 
tinuation of the work now being done in that direction will soon 
render this now waste land arable and fruitful. 

From the census of 1874, the following statistics of Burnside 
are obtained: Population, 1,429; number of acres of im- 
proved land, 5,142; number of sheep, 814; of horses, 315; of cows, 
352; products of preceding year, 2,769 pounds of wool sheared, 
20,751 pounds of pork marketed, 355 pounds of cheese and 27,650 
of butter made, 17,839 bushels of wheat raised, 6,045 of corn, 
27,505 of other grain, 548 bushels of apples., 7,830 of potatoes and 
1,095 tons of hay; 2,600 pounds of maple sugar made in 1874. 

In 1880 the population of the town was 1,060. 

The aggregate valuation of real and personal property as equal- 
ized by the board of supervisors was $435,000. 

The following are the entries of land to 1857. 



Section 1. 



Section 2. 



ENTRIES OF LAND. 

township 9 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST. 

David Whitman, December 22, 1854. 
Redmon I. Cummings, July 13, 1854. 
Lewis Merian, June 11, 1855. 
William Brown, July 16, 1855. 
James Davidson, December 17, 1855. 
WilHam A. Butler, February 28, 1853. 
Redmon S. Cummings, July 13, 1854. 
Michael Storey, January 8, 1855. 
Nicholas Van der Walker, June 11, 1855. 
James Davison, December 17, 1855. 



Section 8. 



Section 9. 



Section 3. Jerome B. Butler, September 15, 1854. 

Michael Storey, January 8, 1855. 
Section 4. J. B. Butler, September 14, 1854. 

Samuel Peaslee, November 16, 1855. 
Section 5. David Gibbard, April 2, 1855. 

David Gibbard, July 26, 1855. 

Marvin and Abner Barrows, September 24, 1855. 

Samuel Peaslee, November 16, 1855. 

George Shaw, April 29, 1856. 
Section 6. Dearborn H. Sanborn, April 27, 1854. 

William Arnold, August 25, 1854. 

Isaac Carpenter, October 17, 1854. 

Thomas Hampshire, November 16, 1854. 

Charles Hampshire, November 16, 1854. 

Hiram Curtis, July 16, 1855. 

Harry March, November 8, 1855. 
Section 7. Abram B. Gates, February 26, 1854. 

Laura A. Gates, August 21, 1854. 

Isaac Carpenter, October 17, 1854. 

Henry Marsh, November 16, 1854. 

Charles G. Allen, January. 16, 1855. 

Harry March, November 8, 1855. 

Daniel Pletcher, Jr., April 23, 1855. 

Franklin Keeler, January 13, 1855. 

Jacob H. Emery, April 17, 1855. 

Pel^er Barnes, October 4, 1855. 

William Whitney, July 31, 1853. 

William Whitney, July 7, 1853. 

William B. Hayward, May 10, 1855. 

Thomas Dear, October 29, 1855. 

Thomas Dear, November 22, 1855. 

John W. Wagner, December 12, 1855. 

William Whitney, July 31, 1853. 

John Storey, November 27, 1854. 

Michael Storey, January 8, 1855. 

William A. Butkr, February 25, 1853. 

Redmon C. Cummings, July 13, 1854. 

Newell Avery, July 25, 1854. 

William Mclntyre, August 11, 1855. 

William Howton, November 5, 1855. 

William Mclntyre, April 30, 1856. 

Edwin Jones, May 9, 1856. 
Section 12. James Craig, February 22, 1854. 

Newell Avery, July 25, 1854. 

William Brown, July 16, 1855. 

William C. Brown, September" 20, 1855. 

Nelson Jones, November 24, 1855. 

James Gunning, January 23, 1856. 
Section 13. Henry N. Walker, September 24, 1851. 

Henry N. Walker, October 21, 1851. 

William A. Butler, Februaiy 28, 1853. 

James Craig, February 22, 1854. 

William C. Brown, April 18, 1855. 

John Martin Dale, July 25, 1855. 

William C. Brown, September 21, 1855. 
Section 14. Henry N. Walker, September 24, 1851. 

Henry N. Walker, October 21, 1851. 

Henry N. Walker, December 15, 1852. 

Ira Davis, James I. David and David Carter, May 25, 
1854. 

Josiah Emery, July 10, 1855. 
Section 15. Harris Newton, August 18, 1837. 

William Whitney, July 7, 1853. 



Section 10. 



Section 11. 



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180 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



Section 19. 



Section 20. 



Section 15. Chester Carleton, August 23, 1853. 

Davis, David & Carter, May 24, 1854. 

Josiah Emery, July 10, 1855. 

Stephen H. Gunnington, November 11, 1855. 
Section 16. J. C. Emery, January 8, 1856. 

Henry Bancroft, April 24, 1856. 

Franklin Emery, August 29, 1856. 

E. S. Babcock, December 2, 1856. 

Lorenzo Evans, December 2, 1856. 
Section 17. Marvin Wilbur, April 15, 1853. 

David Allen, November 24, 1853. 

Davis, David & Carter, May 25, 1854. 

Corrydon B. Chatfield, November 24, 1854. 

John C. Emery, April 23, 1855. 

Peter Krainer, April 24, 1855. 

Franklin Emery, July 5, 1855. 
Section 18. Eugene Smith, March 31, 1853. 

Henry Marsh, November 16, 1854. 

Peter Krainer, April 25, 1855. 

Smith W. Howe,April 23, 1855. 

John C. Emery, April 23, 1855. 

Abraham Sanborn, March 31, 1853. 

Rollin C. 5mith, May 31, 1853. 

Rollin C. Smith, September 16, 1856. 

Lonsoh Dewey, April 18, 1837. 

Abraham Sanborn, March 31, 1853. 

Elon Dudley, April 25, 1853. 

Marvin Wilbur, April 15, 1853. 

RoUin C. Smith, May 31, 1853. 

Josiah Emery, April 23, 1855. 

Madeline Kleiner, May 4, 1855. 

Antoni Kreiner, May 4, 1855. 
Section 21. CuUen Brown, March 30, 1837. 

Harris Newton, April 17, 1837. 

Edward S. Snover, April 15, 1853. 
Section 22. Cullen Brown, March 30, 1837. 

Melvin Gregory, February 28, 1853. 

Rollin C. Smith, April 15, 1853. 

Chester Carleton, August 19, 1853. 

Chester Carleton, August 23, 1853. 

Melvin Gregory, December 9, 1853. 

Stephen H. Farrington, December 18, 1855. 
Section 23. Henry N. Walker, September 24, 1851. 

James M. Henry, October 31, 1851. 

Chester Carleton, August 23, 1853. 

Garry Goodrich, July 5, 1855. 

Anton Kriener, July 2, 1855. 

Chester Carleton, August 23, 1853. 

Henry N. Walker, September 24, 1851. 

Chester Carleton, August 5, 1855. 

John Martin Dale, July 25, 1855. 

Robert Hall, October 26, 1855. 

Chester Carleton, June 30, 1853. 

Chester Carleton, April 3, 1854. 

Robert Hall, October 26, 1855. 

Abram Bear, November 21, 1855. 

William S. Pringle, December 4, 1855. 

Abbott Taylor, December 18, 1855. 

Adam Glazier, March 1, 1856. 
Section 26. Austin Adams, November 3, 1837. 

Rolhn C. Smith, April 15, 1853. 

Augustus F. Scheiber, July 12, 1855. 

Ogden Taylor, September 3, 1855. 



Section 24. 



Section 25. 



Section 26. Lawrence W. Lamberton, September 3, 1855. 
Section 27. Francis G. Macey, March 25, 1837. 
Section 28. Francis G. Macey, March 25, 1837. 

Cullen Brown, March 30, 1837. 
Section 29. Cullen Brown, March 30, 1837. 

Abraham Sanborn, March 31, 1852. 

Rollin C. Smith, May 31, 1853. 

David Chase, July 3i, 1853. 
Section 30. Abram Sanborn, March 31, 1853. 

Abram Sanborn, April 25, 1853. 

Rollin C. Smith, May 31, 1853. 
Section 31. Cullen Brown, March 30, 1837. 

Charles Merrill, March 31, 1855. 

Edwin W. Giddings, March 23, 1855. 

Rollin C. Smith, May 31, 1855. 
Section 32. Cullen Brown, March 30, 1837. 

Rollin C. Smith, April 15, 1853. 

David Chase, July 31, 1853. 

R. C. Smith, August 15, 1853. 
Section 33. Francis G. Macey, March 25, 1837. 

Rollin C. Smith, April 25, 1853. 
Section 34. Francis G. Macey, March 25, 1837. 
Section 35. Sarah B. Adams, November 3, 1837. 

Henry N. Walker, September 24, 1851. 

Henry N. Walker, October 21, 1851. 

Charles Merrill, June 30, 1851. 

Chester Carleton, August 23, 1853. 

David Donaldson, October 1, 1856. 

George Glazier, January 2, 1856. 
Section 36. Chester Carle^n, August 5, 1853. 

Jacob J. Ensley, October 4, 1855. 

Peter Ploss, October 8, 1855. 

John H. Pringle, November 16, 1855. 

George Glazier, January 2, 1856. 

TOWNSmP 10 NORTH, KANGE 12 EAST. 

Section 20. David Perry, October 26, 1855. 

Henry L. Badger, February 22, 1856. 
Section 21. John Calvin T. Pine, April 17, 1855. 

Robert Dowling, September 17, 1855. 

Christian Trachsal, October 29, 1855. 

John H. Fox, October 22, 1855. 
Section 22. David McGloghlin, July 16, 1855. 

Christian Trachsal, October 29, 1855. 

John Frink, November 28, 1855. 
Section 23. James W. Sanborn, July 31, 1853. 

James W. Sanborn, July 28, 1853. 

Alexander Robinson, November 10, 1855. * 
Section 24. George W. Peck, February 1, 1855. 
Section 25. George W. Peck, May 3, 1853. 

George W. Peck, February 9, 1855. 
Section 26. Wilham Whitney, July 31, 1853. 
Section 28. Abner K. Butler, December 15, 1854. 

Horace F. Colley, October 2, 1856. 
Section 29. Charles M. Hemingway, August 27, 1855. 

Charles M. Hemingway, September 22, 1855. 

John Cooper, October 29, 1855. 
Section 30. Charles M. Hemingway, August 27, 1855. 

Alexander P. Shepard, April 29, 1856. 

Alexander P. Shepard, June 22, 1856. 
Section 31. Edward Y. Stringham, November 16, 1854. 

James Anderson, July 16, 1855. 

William H. Shepard, September 10, 1855. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



181 



Section 32. 
Section 33. 



Section 35. 



Section 36. 



Thomas Hampshire, September 10, 1855. 
William Barnett, Manch 20, 1856. 
James Anderson, March 26, 1856. 
Jerome B. Butler, September 14, 1854. 
Patrick Cooper, October 29, 1855. 
George Ervin, December 4, 1855. . 
Henry Ervin, December 13, 1855. 
Isaiah Bntler, December 13, 1855. 
James W. Sanborn, July 25, 1853. 
Isaac Brabbs, Jr., January 18, 1856. 
Abel H. Smith, July 12, 1855. 
Michael M. McCann, November 10, 1854. 
Edward P. Hall, December 5, 1854. 
Isaac Brabbs, Jr., January 10, 1856. 



EARLY HISTORY. 

The first actual settlement of land in Burnside was made upon 
the preemption of a Mr. Goodman on northwest quarter of section 
8, township 9, range 12. Whether the preemptor in person 
ever occupied the land is noticnown; but in January, 1856, a Mr. 
Uran was residing on the land and improving it in the interest 
of Mr. Goodman. This entry does not appear on the records of 
the land office as it was abandoned, the improvements being pur- 
chased by Franklin Keeler. 

The first actual and abiding settler \Tas William Brown on 
section 12, of township 9. Mr. Brown was a native of Scotland. 
He resided for several years in Orleans and Niagara Counties, New 
York, e'ngaged in farming, In the summer and fall of 1854 he 
entered lands under the graduation act in sections 1 and 12. 
On the 8th of November he commenced a clearing on the south- 
east quarter of southeast quarter of section 12 and the next day 
began work on his house. December 26 a part of his family, two 
sons and three daughters came in, the first load of household 
goods being brought on the 22d. The rest of the family came on 
January 25, 1855. Mr. Brown was prominently identified with the 
organization and civil history of the town, being its first treasurer. 
He died June 21, 1883, aged eighty-nine years. Mrs. Brown died 
October 18, 1865. 

The second settler in the town was Franklin Keeler, a native 
of New York, who first settled in North Branch in 1854, but not 
being satisfied abandoned his preemption and bought of the govern- 
ment the northwest quarter of section 8 of township 9, range 12, 
purchasing as has been related the improvements and pre- 
emption rights of Mr. Goodman. February 11, 1855, he moved 
upon the land with his wife, traveling on a mere trail from North 
Branch. They had but f 1.50 left, after their land was paid for, a 
cow, a steer, and a few bushels of grain-; by hard labor and economy 
they accumulated a fine property. Mr. Keeler died July 16, 1882, 
aged 59 years. Mrs. Keeler resides on the homestead. 

Among others of the 'early settlers may be mentioned Peter 
Basua a native of St, Clair County, Michigan, Isaiah Butler, Wil- 
Ham Cooper, Harry Marsh, the first supervisor, Marvin and Abner 
Barrows, who kept bachelor's hall on section 5, Dearborn San- 
born, Hiram Curtis, David Wattles, Robert Gregory, Edward P. 
Hall, Lewis Hampshire, iVnthony Kreiner. 

The first birth in the town was Charles, son of David and 
Maria Gibbard. 

The first marriage was of Patrick Cooper and Polly Basua, June 
21, 1856, by Elder Deming, now of Cass City, at the house of the 
bride's father Peter Basua. 

The first school Avas taught by Susan S. Perry, in 1856, in a 
small bark covered log school-house in District No. 1, known as the 



Keeler District. It numbered eight scholars and the teacher re- 
ceived one dollar per week and " boarded round." 

About the year 1858, a postoffice was established at the house 
of Simeon P. Gates who was appointed postmaster. The mail route 
was from Lapeer to Lexington, another route being afterward 
established via Burnside, viz: from Almont to North Branch. 
Mr. Gates was succeeded in office by J. H. Emery, and he by 
John G. Bruce, the present postmaster. Mr. Emery's store, kept in 
his house and the first in the town, was the origin of the village of 
Burnside. It was followed by a small hotel, and in 1861 a mill 
was built by Mr. Emery, which gave increased business to the place. 
In 1866 Bruce and Webster built their store. There are now here 
two hotels, a general store, drug store, farm machinery warehouse, 
two blacksmith shops, two church edifices, the Methodist Episcopal 
and Baptist. The former was built in 1878 at a cost of about f 1,500. 
It was dedicated January 26, 1879, Presiding Elder Elwood and 
Elders Fox and Campbell officiating. The present membership of 
the church is about thirty-five, under the pastoral charge of Rev. 
Mr. Marsh. 

The Baptist house of worship was erected in 1880. The church 
numbers about twenty members. 

The village of Deanville is in the southeast part of the town in 
sections 23, 24, 25 and 26. It took its name from John C. Dean 
who about 1870 built here a steam saw-mill. June 23, 1874, a post- 
office was established here with James Black as postmaster. He 
has continued in charge of the office to the present time. There 
is here no church edifice bufc services are held in the school-house 
by the Disciples of Christ, the United Brethren and the Mennonites. 

The Port Huron & Northwestern R. R., passes through the north- 
eastern part of the town of Burnside but no station has been estab- 
lished in the town. 

CIVIL mSTORY. 

The town of Allison was organized by act of the legislature 
aj)proved February 15, 1853. In 1863 the name was changed to 
Burnside. 

The organization act was as follows: "The people of the 
State of Michigan enact: That townships 9 and south half of town 
10 north, of range 12 east in the county of Lapeer be, and the same 
hereby are, organized into a separate township, and that the first 
township meeting be held at the house of William Brown in said 
township. This act shall take effect immediately." 

The first annual meeting was held April 2, 1855. 

On motion of Edward P. Hall, Harry Marsh was chosen moder- 
ator of the meeting. On motion Abner Barrows and Marvin Bar- 
rows were chosen inspectors of election and Edward P. Hall, clerk 
]U'() teni. 

The meeting was called to order by the moderator who proceeded 
to open the polls of election, which were kept open until five o'clock 
p. M, 

The polls having been closed, the number of votes was found 
to be nine, and the inspectors declared the following named persons 
to be duly elected, viz: For supervisor, Harry Marsh, eight votes; 
treasurer, William Brown, nine votes; clerk, Abner Barrows, seven 
votes; justices of the peace, Harry Marsh, Edward P. HaU, Marvin 
Barrows and Peter Basua, each nine votes ;*commissioners of high- 
ways- Hiram Curtis, for three years, five votes; Robert Brown, for 
two years, seven votes; Franklin Keeler, for one year, eight votes; 
overseers of the poor: Peter Basua, nine votes; William Brown, 
eight votes; school inspectors: Harry Marsh, for two years, eight 
votes; Edward P. Hall, one year, nine votes; constables: Abner 
Barrows, eight votes; Robert Gregory, eight votes. 

On motion of Edward P. Hall, it was unanimously voted that 



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182 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



one hundred dollars be raised and applied to the opening of roads 
in the town. 

Lewis Hampshire was chosen overseer of highways, for the 
township line on sections 31, 32 and 33, in township 10. ¥/illiam 
Brown was chosen overseer of highways, for section 12, township 
9. Peter Basiia was chcsen overseer of highways, for section 8, 
township 9. 

April 12, the justices of the peace elect, met at the house of 
Franklin Keeler, and decided their classification by drawing with 
the following result: Peter Basua, for four years, Edward P. 
Hall, for three years, Harry Marsh, for two years, and Marvin 
Barrows, for one year. 

According to the recoid the iirst meeting of the town board 
was held November 3, 1855. A committee was appointed, consist- 
ing of Harry Marsh and Franklin Keeler, with power to appoint a 
substitute, to obtain a settlement with the town of Lapeer. Harry 
Marsh was instructed to procure the books necessary for the town 
records. The following billb were 2)resented and allowed: J.N. 
Deneen, three and a half days, surveying roads at $3 per day, 
$10.50; Harry Marsh for taking assessment, f40; Hiram Curtis 
for meeting with highway commissioners, $4; Franklin Keeler for 
same, $4.50; Harry Marsh for two half days meeting with town 
board, and two days going to Lapeer on town business, $3 ; Edward 
P. Hall for one day as clerk of town meeting, $1 ; Abner Barrows 
for two half days meeting with town board, $1; Peter Basua for 
two half days meeting with town board, $1. 

The first annual meeting of highway commissioners was held 
June 11, 1855. An assessment of highway tax in the districts, was 
made and warrants issued to the several overseers. 

The first highway laid out by the commissioners was on the 
3d of October, 1855, and was as follows: Commencing at the 
northwest corner, of east half, of southwest quarter of section 6, 
of township 9, range 12 east, thence south by 2^° east, 77 chains, 
75 links to a point; south 88°, west 50 links, thence south 2^°, 
east 39 chains, 75 links. 

A special town meeting was held January 8, 1864, called in 
response to the petition of fourteen electors, at the house of J. K. 
Butler, at which it was voted twenty-one to none, to levy a tax for the 
pavment of $100 to each person volunteering for military service, 
and credited to the town upon the quota required. 



The first meeting of the board of school inspectors was held at 
the office of the town clerk. May 31, 1856. Two school districts 
were organized, viz: No. 1, embracing south half of sections 31 
and 32, and southwest quarter of section 33, township 10, range 12 
east, and west half of section 4, sections 5, 6, 7 and 8, west half 
section 9, northwest half of section 16, north half of section 17, 
north half of section 18, township 9, range 12 east. No. 2, em- 
braced sections 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 23 and 24, township 9, range 
12 east. To School District No. 1, was also attached northwest 
half of southwest quarter section 17, township 9, range 12 east. 

At an appointed meeting of the the board of school inspectors 
held at the house of Harry Marsh, June 21, 1856, Susan S. Perry 
was examined as to her qualifications for teaching a common 
school, and found capable of so doing. A certificate was accorded 
to her as provided by law. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of the town of 
Burnside, for the year 1882, shows the number of school children 
to have been 787; number of school buildings, nine. The school 
inspectors for the ensuing year were: John Sinclair, C. W. 
Sutton, C. E. Gorslin, Abram Bolton, J. Bruman, I. C. Scott, M. 
Decker, William Montgomery and James Black. 



TOWN OFFICEES. 

1855 — Supervisor, Harry Marsh; clerk, Abner Barrows ; treas- 
urer, William Brown; number of votes, 9. 

1856 — Supervisor, Harry Marsh; clerk, J. Haines Emery; 
treasurer, John M. Brown; number of votes, 26. 

1857 — Supervisor, William Arnold; clerk, J. Haines Emery; 
treasurer, Daniel Pletcher; number of votes, 31. 

1858 — Supervisor, William Arnold; clerk, Daniel Pletcher; 
treasurer, J. Haines Emery; number of votes, 56. 

1859 — Supervisor, Simeon P. Gates; clerk, Daniel Pletcher; 
treasurer, David Gibbard; number of votes, 62. 

I860— Supervisor, Simeon P. Gates; clerk, Almon Wood; 
treasurer, David Gibbard; number of votes, 66. 

1861— Supervisor, Simeon P. Gates; clerk, John C. Emery; 
treasurer, David Gibbard; number of votes, 73. 

1862 — Supervisor, Simeon P. Gates; clerk, Almon Wood; 
treasurer, David Gibbard; number of votes, 84. 

1863 — Supervisor, David Gibbard; clerk, Franklin Keeler; 
treasurer, Lorenzo Evans; number of votes, 73. 

1864 — Supervisor, David Gibbard; clerk, Franklin Keeler; 
treasurer, Lorenzo Evans; number of votes, 60. 

1865 — Supervisor, David Gibbard; clerk, John Sinclair; treas- 
urer, Lorenzo Evans; number of votes, 52. 

1866 — Supervisor, David Gibbard ; clerk, Alexander Sinclair; 
treasurer, Lorenzo Evans; number of votes, 81. 

1867 — Supervisor, Almon Wood; clerk, Daniel Webster; 
treasurer, Lorenzo Evans; number of votes, 99. 

1868 — Supervisor, Almon Wood; clerk, Alexander Sinclair; 
treasurer, Lorenzo N. Gardner; number of votes, 120. 

1869 — Supervisor, William B. Hamilton; clerk, Alfred J. 
Shaw; treasurer, Alexander Sinclair; number of votes, 116. 

1870 — Supervisor, Alexander Sinclair; clerk, James R. Bruce; 
treasurer, Abram Bolton. 

1871 — Supervisor, Alexander Sinclair; clerk, Daniel Webster; 
treasurer, Abram Bolton. 

1872 — Supervisor, Alexander Sinclair; clerk, John Sinclair, 
Jr. ; treasurer, Abram Bolton. 

1873 — Supervisor, Alexander Sinclair; clerk, Lyman J. Lintz; 
treasurer, Charles Cole. 

1874 — Supervisor, Alexander Sinclair; clerk, William Stiles; 
treasurer, Charles Cole. 

1875 — Supervisor, Simeon P. Gates; clerk; William Stiles; 
treasurer, Charles Cole. 

1876 — Supervisor, Simeon P. Gates; clerk, Frank B. Davison; 
treasurer, Charles Cole. 

1877 — Supervisor, Simeon P. Gates; clerk, Frank B. Davison; 
treasurer, Charles Cole. 

1878 — Supervisor, Simeon P. Gates; clerk, Edward Best; 
treasurer, John Henn. 

1879 — Supervisor, William Stiles; clerk, James Cooper; treas- 
urer, John Henn. 

1880 — Supervisor, John Henn; clerk, James Cooper; treas- 
' urer, George B. Wilcox. 

1881 — Supervisor, John Henn; clerk, Pulaski Middleditch 
treasurer, George B. Wilcox. 

1882— Supervisor, John Henn; clerk, Pulaski Middleditch; 
treasurer, James Cooper. 

1883— Supervisor, John Henn, clerk, Pulaski Middleditch; 
treasurer, James Cooper. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

John H. Pringle was born in Monroe County, N. Y., Septem- 
ber 19, 1833. Was brought up to farming, and also learned and 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



183 



worked at wagon -making, carpenter work and blacksmitliing. From 
Monroe County he went to Oxford County, Canada, and remained 
threayeirs. Here I13 mxde his first starfc in Ufe minufacturing 
hoops and cirrymg on a small rented farm. At the end of three 
years he had |1,000. In November, 1855, he came to Biirnside 
and bought 160 acres of government land, the northeast quarter 
of section 36, township 9, range 12 east, on which he now resides. 
He also hought forty acres of school land, southwest quarter of 
southwest quarter section 16. He has 100 acres of land in the 
town of Maple Valley, Sanilac County, and forty acres in the town 
of Go3iland. In 1874 he bought out Cohn Bros.' stock of general 
merchandise, and has since carried on an extensive business, having 
a large and complete stock, and buying extensively of farm produce. 
During his early residence in Burnside he was for several years en- 
gaged in lumbering, to his success in which his subsequent success 
is largely due. He still retains his interest, worth about $9,000, in 
the old homestead, in Monroe County, N. Y. Mr. Pringle's first 
marriage was to Ehza Ann Barnhart, who died in August, 1877, 
leaving one daughter. In 1878 he married Sophronia McNutt, by 
whom he has one son, John H., Jr. 

DuNOAN HossACK was born in Invernesshire, Scotland, August 
12, 1830. His early occupation was farming and milling. In 
1855 he came to Canada and remained about two years engaged in 
farming. In October, 1858, he came to Burnside and bought the 
eighty acres of land on which he now lives, the west half of south- 
west quarter of section 9, township 9, range 12 east, to which he has 
added northeast quarter of southwest quarter and west half of west 
half of northeast quarter section 9. Mr. Hossack endured the usual 
privations and hardships of pioneer life. He logged his first seven 
acres by hand, living in a shanty, sleeping on hemlock boughs, his 
food potatoes with the occasional luxury of a hedgehog. He has 
now a large and well improved farm. Mr. Hossack is also operat- 
ing a saw and grist-mill opposite his residence. He was married 
in June, 1863, to Lucy A. Babcock, of Ohio. They have eight 
children. 

A. B. Miller was born in Greene County, N. Y., November 
27, 1834. Daring his infancy his parents moved to Michigan and 
settled in the town of Bruce, Macomb County. At the age of 
twenty- two years, he went to Dryden, Lapeer County, and engaged 
in farming. Sold out and went to Kansas, where he lived three 
years. Returned to Almont, Lapeer County, and in March, 1875, 
moved to Burnside and bought the west half of southeast quarter 
and northeast quarter of northeast quarter section 16. In Febru- 
ary, 1857, he married Sarah J. Morgan, a native of Lapeer County. 
They have five children, of whom two are at home, one is a drug- 
gist in Burnside, one clerking at Brown City, and one at Burnside. 

Joshua Gunn was born in Nova Scotia, March 2, 1827. During 
his infancy his parents moved to Canada, where he was brought up 
on a farm. In 1862 he came to Burnside and bought a farm in 
section 17, northeast quarter of northeast quarter, and afterward 
bought west half of northeast quarter and northeast quarter of 
northwest quarter section 16. These lands he has since sold. He 
operated for several years the Emery mill at the village of Burn- 
side. In 1875 he built a steam saw-mill, in section 26, village of 
DeanvJUe,which he is now operating. Has also a farm of 280 acres 
in the town of Maple Valley, Sanilac County. Married in 1850 
Catherine Cooper. They have three children. 

Jerome B. Butler was born in Avon, Livingston County, N. 
Y., October 22, 1827. In 1843 the family came to Michigan and 
settled in Oakland County. In 1849 he went to Lake Superior, 
and was there eu^ployed in the copper mines, as superintendent, 
until 1858, when he came to Burnside. He located his present 
farm in section 32, township 10, range 12 east, in 1854. In 1872 



he built a steam saw-mill, in the southeast quarter of section 32, 
which he is now operating. It has a capacity of about thirty thousand 
feet of lumber per day. He was married in 1851, to Margaret Col- 
lins, a native of Eastport, Me. They have ten children. Mr. But- 
ler has dealt extensively in lands in Burnside, and elsewhere. Now 
owns about 2,000 acres in the town of Burnside, besides lands in 
other counties. His father, Isaiah Butler, who now resides in North 
Branch, came into the town of Burnside in the fall of 1854. 

Pulaski MmDLEDiTCH, dealer in agricultural machinery and 
farming tools, is a native of Boston, Erie County, N. Y. Was born 
February 1, 1820. He remained there until he was twenty-one 
years of age, when he went to Almont, Lapeer County, and was 
there employed in farming. Afterward worked for several years at 
carpenter and joiner work. Moved from Almont to Dryden, and 
thence to Imlay. At Imlay he built the mill now owned by Henry 
Woodbnry. He practiced medicine for about fifteen years, having 
studied in New York. Came to Burnside in 1875, and was 
employed in farming until 1880, when he engaged in his pres- 
ent business. Mr. Middleditch was married in 1849 to Be- 
linda Mix, a native of Erie County, Penn. They have had nine 
children, of whom five are now living. For about twenty-eight 
years Mr. Middleditch has held the office of justice of the peace, for the 
last seven years in Burnside. He is also present town clerk, which 
office he has held three years. His residence is in the village of 
Burnside, though he still retains his farm, in section 16, which is 
carried on by his son. 

John G. Bruce is a native of Fifeshire, Scotland. Was born 
December 6, 1839. In 1855 he came to this country with his par- 
ents, who settled in Almont, Lapeer County, where they still reside. 
He was employed as clerk in a store in Almont until 1866, when, 
in company with Daniel Webster, he established his present busi- 
ness of general merchandizing in the village of Burnside. He has 
an extensive store building and carries a large and complete stock of 
dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hardware, etc. He has for 
the last sixteen years been postmaster at Burnside. He was mar- 
ried in 1861 to Jane Webster, daughter of Elisha Webster, one of 
the earliest settlers of Almont, Lapeer County. They have three 
children. Mr. Bruce is cultivating a farm of forty acres, on which 
he has one of the largest and finest residences in Lapeer County. 

C. B. Gould, a native of Genesee Co., N. Y., was born July 
12, 1821. February 19, 1837, his parents moved to Dryden, Lapeer 
County. His occupation there was farming. In 1863 he went to 
the town of Goodland, Lapeer County, and made his home there 
for twelve years. He moved to Burnside in 1877 and bought the 
farm on which he now resides, west one -half of southeast quarter 
section 36, township 10, range 12 east, eighty acres, of which sixty 
acres are cleared. He was first married in 1842 to Phoebe Wilcox, 
by whom he had seven children. She died in January, 1867. His 
second wife was Ehoda Dowling, a native of Canada, to whom 
he was married in 1867. One son, Martin J., remains with his father 
and assists in the cultivation of the farm. 

Alexander Sinclair is a native of North Ireland and of Scotch 
descent. He was born January 1, 1830. From his twelfth to his 
eighteenth year he was employed in a linen bleachery. Came to 
this country, to Canada, in 1849, and was there engaged in farming 
until 1859 when he came to Burnside and bough the land on which 
he now lives, south one-half of southeast quarter section 5, town- 
ship 9, range 12 east, to which he has since added northeast 
quarter of southeast quarter of section 5. He also owns eighty 
acres in section 34 of township 10, same range, (north half of 
southeast quarter.-) He was married in October, 1872, to Eliza 
Cooper, of Canada, and has three children living, two having died. 

Mr. Sinclair was four years town clerk, one year town treas- 



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HISTOEY OF LA.PEEE COUNTY. 



nrer, one year highway commissioner, five successive years super- 
visor, four years justice of the peace, and for the last two years has 
been drain commissioner. Mr. Sinclair's father and two brothers 
came to Burnside in the summer of 1859. Mr. Sinclair, Sr., is now 
living with his son James on his farm, at the ripe age of 83 years. 

Geokge Glasure was born in Cork, Ireland, September 18, 
18B4. In 1850 he came with his parents to this country, settling 
in Canada, where he was employed on a farm for five years. In 
1855 he came to Burnside (then Allison,) arriving in the town 
December 18, and bought of government, under the graduation act, 
the northwest quarter and north one-half of southwest quarter of 
section 36, township 9, range 12 east. He has since added south 
one-half of northeast quarter and northeast quarter of southeast 
quarter section 35, making in all a farm of 360 acres on which he 
now resides. He has 320 acres improved. Has also 40 acres in 
the town of Goodland. During his early residence in Burnside he 
was for several years successfully engaged in lumbering. That 
he was shrewd and a successful farmer is shown by the extent and 
condition of his farm, his commodious and convenient farm 
buildings, and his large and beautiful residence. Mr. Glasure was 
married in 1864 to Ursula Haley, a native of Oxford County, 
Canada. 

S. W. Howe was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., in 1817 ; — settled 
on section 18, Burnside, in 1856, and still resides on the same place. 
Married in 1854 Orpha Kelsey, who was born in Chautauqua County, 
N. Y., in 1823; one child, John E., born in 1856, married in 1880 
Frances J. Bolton, who was born in 1858. 



TOWN OF NORTH BKANCH. 

This town is known as township 9 north, of range 11 east, 
and is bounded on the north by Burlington, east by Burnside, south 
by Arcadia, and west by Deerfield. The Flint Eiver flows through 
the township in a northwesterly direction and is the principal 
stream. 

The population of the town according to the census of 1880 
was 1,655. 

Census of 1874: Population, 937; number of acres of taxable 
land 23,400; of improved land 4,304; number of sheep 444; of horses 
213; of cows 233; products of the preceding year: pounds of wool 
sheared, 1,287; of pork marketed, 6,717; of butter made, 14,715; 
bushels of wheat raised, 8,595; of corn, 3,700; of other grain, 12,280; 
of apples 154; of potatoes, 5,360; tons of hay, 735; pounds of maple 
sugar made in 1874, 4,276. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The town of North Branch was organized in 1855. The first 
annual town meeting was held at the house of Eichard Beach in 
April, 1866. The whole number of votes polled was twenty-six and 
the following officers were. elected, viz: Supervisor, James S. Dem- 
ing; clerk, Nathan Brazie; treasurer, Calvin Carpenter; school 
inspectors, James S. Deming and John Skym; highway commis- 
sioners, John Beach for one year, Solomon Stone for two years and 
N. S. Shippey for three years; justices of the peace, James P. 
Keeler for one year, Kichard Beach for two years. James S. Dem- 
ing for three years, and John Skym for four years; directors of 
the Poor, Henry Banker and James P. Keeler; constables, Warren 
Perry and Piatt Banker. 



Section 1. 



LAND ENTRIES PRIOR TO 1860. 

TOWNSmP 9 NORTH, RANGE 11 EAST. 

Dearborn H. Sanborn, April 15, 1854. 
Robert Deming, May 5, 1854. 



Section 1. James P. Keeler, June 26, 1854. 

David D. Farrand, June 26, 1854. 

Daniel Weaver, November 25, 1854. 

John Lister, December 1, 1854. 

Richard Beach, April 19, 18J6. 
Section 2. Pesh-sche-nan-ne-shaw-way-gonand Shaub-w^on-naw- 
quot-to-way-be, February 2, 1853. 

Matthias Dauser, May 3, 1854. 

Warren M. Perry, May 13, 1854. 

William H. Haze, June 24, 1854. 

James P. Keeler, June 26, 1854. 

John Lister, December 1, 1854. 

James P. Keeler, January 4, 1855. 

Nicholas S. Shippey, July 28, 1856. 
Section 3. Jane Bennett, April 1, 1854. 

Jane Bennett, May 4, 1854. 

Warren M. Perry, May 13, 1854. 

Daniel Eldredge, June 24, 1854. 

Wilham H. Haze, June 24, 1854. 

John M. Wattles, August 15, 1854. 

Frederick Caley, August 15, 1854. 

Alford Chase, October 2, 1854. 

Thomas McGloghlin, November 9, 1854. 
Section 4. Richard Beach, April 25, 1854. 

Charles Deo, May 4, 1854. 

William 0. Smith, July 14, 1854. 

Richard Beach, August 4, 1854. 

Henry Banker, August 5, 1854. 

Frederick Caley, August 15, 1854. 

John Deo, October 2, 1854. 
Section 5. Nam-macke-che-unk and others, November 5, 1851. 

Nam-way-ke-che-wonk, January 5, 1853. 

John M. Beach, April 25, 1854. 

Jehiel Davis, July 3, 1854. 

Henry Banker, August 5, 1854. 

John M. Beach, August 8, 1854. 

Ambrose C. Pemberton, November 18, 1854. 

Daniel Weaver, November 25, 1854. 

Elias Spencer, March 22, 1855. 

Calvin Carpenter, May 17, 1855. 

Egbert Hilliker, June 7, 1855. 

James Patrick, October 12, 1855. 
Section 6. Amos C. Wadsworth, January 16, 1837. 

Seth P. Beers, January 16, 1837. 

John B. Evans, August 6, 1855. 
Section 7. Samuel Clark, January 16, 1837. 

Tomlinson Wells, January 16, 1837. 

Seth P. Beers, January 16, 1837. 
Section 8. Samuel Clark, January 16, 1837. 

Fayette Clark, March 20, 1837. 

Alfred WilHams, April 7, 1854. 

Lovisa Loomis, August 12, 1854. 

Oliver H. Goodwin December, 25, 1854. 

David M. ConneU, July 2, 1855. 
Section 9. Eugene Smith, March 7, 1853. 

Alfred Williams, April 7, 1854. 

Moses S. Yaran, June 1, 1854. 

Richard Beach, June 12, 1854. 

Frederick W. Sikes, August 12, 1854. 

Lovisa Loomis, August 12, 1854. 

Joseph Barton, January 15, 1855. 

Solomon Y^ouran, April 25, 1855. 

Wilham Skym, July 7, 1855. 



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HlfeTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



185 



Section 9. 
Section 10. 



Section 11. 

Section 12. 
Section 13. 



Section 14. 
Section 15, 



Section 16. 



Section 17. 



Section 18. 



Section 19. 

Section 20. 

Section 21. 

Section 22. 

Section 28. 



Section 24. 



Section 25. 



Section 26. 
Section 27. 



Solomon Yuran, September 12, 1855. 

Eugene Smith, March 7, 1853. 

John M. Wattles, April 3, 1854. 

Jane Bennett, April 3, 1854. 

David C. Wattles, May 11, 1854. 

Nathan Brazie, Jime 19, 1854. 

Lydia Ann Turner, August 14, 1854. 

David W. Crownover, September 7, 1854. 

David C. Wattles, September 4, 1854. 

Susan M. Wattles, December 30, 1854. 

Charles Merrill, July 23, 1852. 

Giles Bishop, August 22, 1854. 

Gibson Fox, November 24, 1854. 

Charles Merrill, July 23, 1852. 

Daniel Weaver, November 25, 1854. 

Charles Merrill, July 23, 1852. 

Charles Merrill, November 11, 1852. 

Samuel Pitts, June 29, 1853. 

Harvey Smith, December 21, 1854. 

Franklin Pierce, September 24, 1855. 

Charles Merrill, June 26, 1852. 

Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 

Charles Merrill, July 23, 1852. 

Charles Merrill, November 10, 1852. 

David C. Wattles, May 11, 1854. 

Nathan Brazie, July 2, 1855. 

David C. Wattles, July 29, 1858. 

Eeuben Moore, November 17, 1853. 

George A. Wilcox, March 3, 1855. 

D. C. Wattles, October 5, 1855. 

D. C. Wattles, October 25, 1855. 

William H. Clark, January 17, 1857. 

Samuel Clark, January 16, 1857. 

Nathan Dickenson, William H. Imlay, George Beach, 

March 20, 1857. 
Frederick Bushnell, March 20, 1857. 
Samuel Clark, January 16, 1837. 
Fayette Clark, March 20, 1837. 
Samuel Clark, September 25, 1837. 
Frederick Bushnell, March 20, 1837. 
Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 
Frederick Bushnell, March 20, 1837. 
Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 
Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 
Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 
Charles Merrill, July 23, 1852. 
Jas. S. Deming, December 4, 1855. 
Warren Perry, April 12, 1859. 
Charles Merrill, February 25, 1853. 
Eugene Smith, March 7, 1853. 
Colonel Salisbury, February 9, 1855. 
John Skym, May 28, 1855. 
John Skym, Sr., July 2, 1855, 
John C. Wade, April 22, 1856. 
Joseph Krimer, October 7, 1859. 
Caroline Krimer, November 15, 1859. 
James P. Keeler, March 15, 1855. 
Joseph Kramer, December 7, 1859. 
Charles Merrill, February 25, 1853. 
Eugene Smith, March 7, 1853. 
Samuel Pitts, June 29, 1853. 
Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 
Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 



Section 
Section 
Section 
Section 



31. 
32. 



Section 28. Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 
Section 29, Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 
Section 30. Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 

Solomon Stone, November 12, 1855. 

Solomon Stone, April 5, 1858. 

Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 

Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 

33. Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 

34. Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 
Chester Cooly, September 13, 1853. 
Noah Cooly, October 2, 1854. 
Charles W. Perkins, May 5, 1859. 
Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 
Charles Merrill, February 25, 1853. 
Eugene Smith, March 7, 1853. 
Chester Cooly, June 29, 1858. 
Joseph A. Spencer, August 20, 1853. 
Chester Cooly, August 20, 1853. 
William Cooly, August 28, 1853. 
Noah Cooly, October 2, 1854. 

Section 36. Charles Merrill, February 25, 1853. 
Samuel Pitts, June 29, 1853. 
Chester Cooly, August 20, 1853. 



Section 35. 



EARLY HISTORY. 

The township now known as North Branch was first visited for 
the purpose of settlement by David C. Wattles and Geo. Bennett 
about the middle of February, 1854. They left Lapeer village for 
that purpose, camping out the first night in this town near the cor- 
ner of sections 9, 10, 15 and 16. After some examination of the 
soil and surrounding country, they returned to Lapeer without mak- 
ing any positive selection. The only inhabitants of this region at 
that time were Indians, there being two villages, one located on 
section 2 and the other on section 5. 

Messrs. Wattles and Bennett again returned to this town about 
the middle of March. Mr. Wattles located land on the southwest 
quarter of section 10 and Mr. Bennett on the southeast quarter of 
section 3 and northeast quarter of section 10. 

They at once began clearing and built log shanties but did not 
remove their families until the following year. 

John and Richard Beach were the next to locate land, which 
they did about the last of April, on sections 4 and 5. They first 
chopped some, built a log shanty, and moved their families here in 
July. 

Then came Nicholas S. Shippey and located on the northwest 
quarter of section 2 in May, 1854. Diuing the summer he chop- 
ped over four or five acres, planted some potatoes, built a log shanty 
and moved his family here about November 1st, following. 

N. S. Shippey selected land for Geo. Simmons on the northeast 
quarter of section 2 and moved his family the following February. 

James P. Keeler located on the same quarter section about the 
last of May. During the summer he built a shanty and moved his 
family during the following November. 

David D. Farrand took up land on the northwest quarter of 
section 1. James S. Deming located on the southwest quarter of 
the same section, and Nathan Brazie located on the southeast quar- 
ter of section 10. These men moved their families in the latter 
part of 1854 and early in 1855. 

When these families settled here the region was one dense pine 
forest' from Haskell's Tavern, six miles from Lapeer, to North 
Branch River, with the exception of one house. The distance was 



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186 



HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



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about fifteen miles, but a winding road around bills and swamps 
made it a great deal fartber. 

Duiing tbe year 1855 tbe following men located land and 
moved tbeir families into town : Cbarles Deo, Warren Perry, D. 
McConneU, Franklin Pierce, Henry Banker, Solomon Stone, Jobn 
and William Skym, A. C. Pemberton, Calvin Carpenter, Alfred and 
Jobn Cbase. 

Eicbard Beacb was tbe first postmaster. Tbe mail was car- 
ried from Lapeer to Lexington via Nortb Brancb, by Cbester Hatcb, 
wbo made tbe trip on foot, most of tbe way tlirougb an unbroken 
wilderness, and requiring four or five days to make tbe round trip. 
Mr. Beacb also kept some groceries and otber goods at tbe same 
time. 

Tbe first birtbs in town were a daugbter to Mr. and Mrs. 
E. Beacb, and a son to Mr. and Mrs. George Simmons. 

Tbe first deatb was one of Mr. E. Beacb 's cbildren. Tbe first 
deatb of an adult was tbat of Josbua Gregory. 

During tbe year 1855 Elder Tuttle came to tbe town and 
preacbed in different localities. He was sent by conference and 
used to make bis bome at tbe bouse of E. Beacb. James S. Dem- 
ing also preacbed at bis own bouse on Sundays during tbe first 
winter be lived bere. A missionary by tbe name of Goodridge also 
preacbed. He was a missionary and traveled on foot along Indian 
trails or tbrougb tbe woods, as at tbis time tbere were neitber roads 
nor bridges. 

Tbe assessed valuation of tbe town in 1856 was ^62,666, 

Tbe first steam saw- mill in town was built by Josepb Applebee, 
in 1857. It was located on tbe nortbeast quarter of nortbeast quar- 
ter of section 16. 

Tbe first wedding in town was tbe marriage of Warren Perry 
to Cbarlotte Deming in 1857. 

Tbe first blacksmitb was Alfred Cbase. 

In 1857, Eicbard and Jobn Beacb built a small water saw-mill 
on section 5. 

During tbe war, Nortb Brancb furnisbed its quota of men for 
tbe army for volunteers, with tbe exception of one call, wben a draft 
was made and tbe following men drafted: Jobn C. Wade, C. W. 
Sbippey, Daniel H. Stone and Leland Kittredge. All of tbese fur- 
nisbed substitutes. George Simmons was released on account of 
age and David Yates disappeared. 

SCHOOLS OF NORTH BRANCH. 

District No. 1 was organized in 1858, in tbe nortbeast part of 
tbe townsbip. Scbool-bouse located on tbe southeast quarter of 
section 2. Number of cbildren between tbe ages of five and twenty 
for 1882, was ninety-five, of wbom seventy-five attended school. 
Value of school property, $700. George W. Eicbards, director. 

District No. 2 was organized in 1855 and includes tbe village 
of Nortb Brancb, school-bouse being located on section 5. It is a 
graded school of three departments. Whole number of scholars, 
202, of whom 167 attended school in 1882, with an addition of nine 
non-resident pupils. Since being graded tbe school has bad for princi- 
pals, V. S. Miller, three years; Hickey, oneyear; William French, two 
years; E. V. Langdon, two 3/ears; George Dole, one year. Value 
of school property, f 1,600. Cbarles W. Ballard, director. 

D5strict No. 3 was organized in 1860 and school-bouse located 
on section 13. Whole number -of scholars, eighty-one; attended 
school, forty-eight; value of school property, $500. Jobn Swaish, 
director. 

District No. 4 was organized in 1861. House located on sec- 
tion 15. Whole number of scholars for 1882 seventy-two; attended 
school, fifty; value of school property, |650. Jobn Hallard, direc- 
tor. 

District No. 5 w^as organized in 1873. House located on sec- 



tion 19. Whole number of scholars for 1882, was thirty- two, of 
wbom twenty- seven attended school. Value of property $600. 
David W. Craig, director. 

District No. 6 was organized in 1873. House located on sec- 
tion 36. Whole number of scholars is sixty, attended school 
forty-nine. George Crawford, director. 

District No. 7 organized in 1878. House located on section 
28. Whole number of scholars in 1882, forty-one. The school, 
however, for the year, numbered fifty- three. Value of property, 
$440. W. H. Swayze, director. 



TOWN OFFICEES. 

1856 — Supervisor, James S. Deming; clerk, Nathan Bra- 
zie; treasurer, Calvin Carpenter; number of votes polled, 26. 

1857 — Supervisor, James S. Deming; clerk, Nathan Brazie; 
treasurer, Charles Deo; number of votes polled, 32. 

1858 — Supervisor, James P. Keeler; clerk, Jobn Peaslee; treas- 
urer, Eicbard Beacb ; number of votes polled, 39. 

1859 — Supervisor, N. S. Sbippey; clerk, David C. Wattles; 
treasurer, William Beach ; number of votes polled, 43. 

1860 — Supervisor, David C. Wattles; clerk, Charles Ballard; 
treasurer, William Beacb ; number of votes polled, 50. 

1861 — Supervisor, David C. Wattles; clerk, Guy S. Hopkins; 
treasurer, John M. Beach; number of votes polled, 62. 

1862 — Supervisor, Harmon Barnes; clerk, Charles Ballard; 
treasurer, John M. Beach ; number of votes polled, 59. 

1863 — Supervisor, Charles Ballard; clerk, Eobert E. Doty; 
treasurer, Jobn M. Beacb; number of votes polled, 57. 

1864 — Supervisor, David C. Wattles; clerk, William 0. Crosby; 
treasurer, Jobn C. Wade; number of votes polled, 53. 

1865 — Supervisor, Jacob Gallinger; clerk, Jobn C. Wade; 
treasurer, Matthew M. Hedges; number of votes polled, 64. 

1866 — Supervisor, Charles Ballard; clerk, Solomon Stone; 
treasurer, Matthew M. Hedges, number of votes polled, 77. 

1867 — Supervisor, Charles Ballard; clerk, Solomon Stone; 
treasurer, Nicholas S. Sbippey; number of votes polled, 89. 

1868 — Supervisor, Henry Gallinger; clerk, Solomon Stone; 
treasurer, Irving Weston; number of votes polled, 108. 

1869 — Supervisor, Charles Ballard; clerk, Henry Galbnger; 
treasurer, Andrew Bradley; number of votes polled, 124. 

1870— Supervisor, Andrew Bradley; clerk, Charles W. Bal- 
lard; treasurer, Irving Weston. 

1871 — Supervisor, Irving Weston ; clerk, George Mott; treas- 
urer, 0. P. Weston. 

1872 — Supervisor, Cbarles W. Ballard; clerk, Andre w Bradley ; 
treasurer, David C. Briggs. 

1873 — Supervisor, Samuel B. Scott; clerk, Elijah McKenzie; 
treasurer, David C. Briggs. • 

1874 — Supervisor, John H. Swailes; clerk, Elijah McKenzie; 
treasurer, Jobn C. Wade. 

1875 — Supervisor, John Appleman; clerk, Solomon Stone; 
treasurer, John C. Wade. 

1876 — Supervisor, John H. Swailes; clerk, Arthur B. Jackson; 
treasurer, Jobn C. Wade. 

1877 — Supervisor, John H. Swailes; clerk, William O'Neil; 
treasurer, Jobn C. Wade, 

1878 — Supervisor, Jobn H. Swailes; clerk, William O'Neil; 
treasurer, A. S. Sboales. 

1879 — Supervisor, Jobn H. Swailes; clerk, William Murch; 
treasurer, John C. Wade. 

1880 — Supervisor, John H. Swailes; clerk, William Murch; 
treasurer, John C. Wade. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEBE COUNTY. 



187 



1881 — Supervisor, John H. Swailes; clerk, William Murcli; 
treasurer, G. D. Miller. 

1882 — Supervisor, John C. Wade; clerk, Henry Stewart; treas- 
urer, G. D. Miller. 

1883 — Supervisor, John C. Wade; clerk, Elijah McKenzie; 
treasurer, Frank Glyshaw ; number of votes polled, 291. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of the town of North 
Branch for the year 1882, shows the number of school children to 
have been 582; number of school buikings, seven. The school 
inspectors for the ensuing year were George W. Eichards, Charles 
W. Ballard, John Swoish, John Hallard, David W. Craig, George 
Crawford, W. H. Swayzee. 

THE FIKE OF 1881. 

The town of North Branch suffered severely from the fire of 
September, 1881. A list of the property destroyed was made at the 
time as follows : "Lysander Whiting, new barn, eighty bushels of 
wheat and eight tons of hay; A. Burgler, barn, wheat and hay; Mr. 
Baker, house; Frank Swoish, house, barn and contents; Bently, of 
Arcadia, house and barn; Uriel Townsend's camps at the old Shu- 
bal Smith mill, burned, also sleighs and camp outfit, loss, $2,000. 
The old mill was lost and nearly all the houses surrounding. Gil- 
bert and John Dennis, house and contents, barn and contents, 
stacks, three hogs, three calves, farm tools, fences, f 800, insurance 
not ascertained but probably none; M. C. Gardner lost barn and 
contents; John Austin, barn and contents; Edgar Raymond, 
twenty-five tons of hay on J. Tozier's, barn and contents, pioperty 
of Walter Johnson; Isaac Slough, barn and contents; Alexander 
Tebo, barn and contents; W. Lucas, house, barn and contents — 
nothing saved; Edwin Baker, house and contents, barn and con- 
tents, f600, insurance not ascertained; Richard Elliott, dwelling, 
barn and contents, f400, no insurance, Mrs. Elliott burned to death; 
John Ward, fences, ip75, insurance none; John Fuderick, fences, 
insurance none; S. S. Lee, fences and farm tools, $450, insurance 
none." 



VILLAGE OF NORTH BRANCH. 

The village of North Branch or Beachville, as it is sometimes 
called, is located in the northwest portion of the township, on the 
P. 0. & P. A. Railroad, and is about midway between Pontiac and 
Caseville. 

The village was founded by John and Richard Beach, its 
nucleus being the postoffice and store kept by the latter as early as 
1856. 

In 1858, John W. Peasley built the first store on the site of 
the village. 

The first cooper-shop was built by Deo & Mitchell. 

The first physician was Dr. Armstrong, who settled here in 
1858. 

The lumber business was begun by S. S. Lee in 1860. 

The first wagon shop was built by Benjamin Switzer. 

In 1867, Phineas White began the practice of law. 

In 1868, a flouring mill was built and the village began to move 
onward. 

POSTOFFICE. 

As already stated, the postoffice was established in 1856, with 
Richard Beach postmaster. His successors have been as follows : 
H. C. Sherwood, Dr. A. L. Scott, Irving Weston, and the present 
incumbent, R. B. Lippincott, who has held the ofHce since 1879. 



then embraced in the Flint District, Rev. William Tuttle, preacher 
in charge; Rev. S. Clemens, presiding elder. In the fall of 1857 
it was attached to the Romeo District, and the charge was supplied 
by Rev. James Smith. In 1858 Rev. Lewis Mitchell was appointed 
to the charge and during his pastorate the first parsonage was built 
and forty-seven person received into the church including probation- 
ers. 

The successive pastors have been Revs. S. J. Hollenbeck, in 
1859; L. S. Ledman, in 1860; W. J. Johnson, in 1861; W. Hage- 
done, in 1862; A. Gee, in 1863-'64; J. B. Varnum, in 1865-'66; 
George Deacon, in 1867; A. S. Fair, in 1868-'69-'70; James 
Withey, in 1871; F. J. Galbraith, in 1872; L. L. Houghton, in 
1873; John Westley, in 1874-75; Samuel Bird, in 1876-77; Will- 
iam Campbell, in 1878-79; S. P. Lee, in 1880-'81, who died a few 
days after his second appointment and was succeeded by Rev. 
George B. Benedict. The present pastor is Rev. George A. 
Walker, who was appointed in 1882. 

During Mr. Westley 's pastorate, a church building was erected 
in the village of North Branch, 34x60 feet, costing $2,380, which 
was dedicated during Mr. Bird's pastorate. During the pastorate of 
Mr. Lee, a house* of w^orship was erected on section 1, of North 
Branch Township. It is a neat and commodious structure, 32x — 
in size. The church which meets here is included in the North 
Branch charge and has a membership of twenty- six. The church 
of North Branch village has a membership of over 100. A Sunday 
school was organized in 1855 which has been continued ever since, 
having a present membership of about 100. There are also two 
union Sunday-schools in different parts of the charge. 



THE FIEST BAPTIST CHUECH. 



NORTH BRANCH CHURCHES. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUECH. 

North Branch Circuit was organized* in the fall of 1856 and was 



The first meeting looking to the organization of a Baptist Church 
in North Branch was held Sept. 17, 1865, at the house of Jacob 
Gallinger, Rev. W. W. Robertson being moderator and clerk. As 
a result of this and a subsequent meeting at the Dixon school-house, 
a council of sister churches was invited to assist in the organization 
of a church. At a meeting of twelve persons of the Baptist faith 
held at the Dixon school-house, October 15 following, articles of 
faith and church government were adopted and officers appointed; 
viz., Jacob Gallinger as dea^^on and George Richards as clerk. The 
church was united with the Flint River Baptist Association, con- 
vened at Almont Aug. 28, 1866. 

The first pastor was Rev. Alfred Curry, who was ordained May 
8, 1867. April 1, 1870, Rev. Jesse Shaw was called to the pastor- 
ate, continuing until April 19, 1872. The church was without a 
pastor until May 11, 1873, being meanwhile supplied by Rev. P. S. 
McKillop. Rev. Mr. Curry was again pastor for about a year. Rev. 
William Wilkinson was ordained and became pastor of the church, 
October 7, 1874. Mr. Wilkinson was succeeded in June, 1876, by 
Rev. D. W. Leonard, and he in June, 1877, by Rev. J. H. Fair- 
child, who remained with the church until October 30, 1880. In 
October, 1881, Rev. A. M. Parmenter, the present pastor, was 
called. 

The first board of trustees was elected February 5, 1872, and 
regular successors have been duly elected. February 22, 1882, a 
reorganization was effected to comply with the laws of the State, and 
articles of association adopted. 

The number received by baptism since the organization of the 
church is twenty-two ; the present membership, thirty-three. 

A prosperous Sunday- school is held in connection with the 
church. It was organized in 1871 under the superintendency of Will- 
iam O'Neil, who continued in charge for ten years. B.C. Dayton 
is the present superintendent. The average attendance is fifty. 

The house of worship of this church is a very plain structure, 



^3 



:k* 






ihL^ 



18^ 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



without spire or belfry, 32x50 feet in dimensions, 
substantial parsonage adjoins the church. 



A neat and 



SOCIETIES AND ORDEKS. 

ladies' library association. 

This association was organized February 15, 1877, with fifteen 
members, under the presidency of Mrs. Fannie Coffron. It has 
now a membership of about forty and has accumulated a library of 
five hundred volumes at a cost of over f 700. The membership fee 
is one dollar. 

The present officers of the association are : President, Mrs. P. 

B. Weston; vice-president, Mrs. McCormick; secretary, Mrs. Will- 
iam Butler; assistant secretary, Mrs. Phelps; treasurer, Mrs. 
Thomas Lammiman; librarian, Miss Jennie Miller; assistant libra- 
rian. Miss Gussie Hollinger. 

MASONIC. 

A dispensation was granted December 4, 1872, by Grand 
Master Henry Chamberlain for the organization of a lodge of Free 
and Accepted Masons to which a charter was subsequently issued. 
The first meeting was held December 27, 1872. The following 
were the first officers: W. W. French, W. M. ; Ira H. Bradshaw, 
S. W. ; C. M. Havens, J. W. ; A. B. Weston, secretary; W. Allen, 
treasurer; D. C. Briggs, S. D. ; A. Johnson, J. D. ; E. Brownell, 
tyler. The number of charter members was nine. The following 
have been successively elected masters of the lodge: Ira H. Brad- 
shaw, in 1873; D. C. Briggs, in 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877 and 1878; 
W. W. French in 1879; D. C. Briggs in 1880; Arza Johnson in 
1881. The officers elected in 1882 for the succeeding masonic year 
were: Arza Johnson, W. M. ; Frank Glyshaw, S. W. ; John N. Deo, 
J. W. ; H. C. Weston, treasurer; J. H. Vandecar, secretary; Will- 
iam Butler, S. D. ; E. McKenzie, J. D. ; George W. Baldwin, tyler. 
The membership is now forty-eight. 

ODD FELLOWS. 

North Branch Lodge No. 339, of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows was instituted x\pril 8, 1880, with eleven charter members 
and the following officers: N. G., A. H. Hoover; V. G., 0. E. 
Arnold ; secretary, Eobert McKenzie ; permanent secretary, George 
Sicklesteel; treasurer, Gilson D. Miller. The present membership 
is forty-six. The officers elected for the first six months of 1883 
were: N. G., A. H. Hoover; V. G., T. W. Lammiman; secretary, C. 
R. Amell; permanent secretary, G. D. Miller; treasurer, Wilmot 
Brazie. The latter died May 7, 1883. 

A lodge of the Daughters of Rebekah was instituted November 
11, 1882, with ten charter members, and the following officers: 
N. G., A. H. Hoover; V. G., Mrs. Daniel Hollinger; secretary, C. 
W. Shippey; treasurer, Mrs. C. W. Shippey; 0. G., James Manary; 
warden, Isaac Blackburn; conductor, Mrs. John C. Wade; I. G., 
Walter Clendenning. 

North Branch Encampment No. 99 was instituted July 17, 
1883, by Grand Patriarch Alfred Milnes, of Coldwater, Mich., and 
the following officers were elected and installed, viz., A. H. Hoover, 

C. P. ; A. E. Weed, H. P. ; G. D. Miller, J. W. ; C. R. Arnell, scribe; 
A. H. Rankin, treasurer. 

KNIGHTS OF HONOR. 

A lodge of this order, the primary object of which is mutual 
life insurance, was organized at North Branch February 23, 1878, 
with fourteen charter members. Dr. C. C. Hibbard was elected its 
first dictator. Dr. Hibbard died in the spring of 1878, being the 
first death in tlie order for the State of Michigan. 

The following were the officers elected for 1883: Dictator, 
F. S. Porter; vice -dictator, D. Holhnger; assistant dictator, Edward 
Simmons; reporter, W. March; financial reporter, E. McKenzie; 



treasurer, John C. Wade; guide, George W. Dorman; chaplain, 
Rev. F. J. Galbraith; guardian, John Lammiman; sentinel, J. H. 
Swailes; medical examiner, A. L. Scott; delegate to Grand Lodge, 
F. S. Porter; trustees, F. S. Porter, John C. Wade, Edward Sim- 
mons. 

CHOSEN FRIENDS. 

Adams Council No. 53, of the Order of Chosen Friends, associ- 
ated for the purpose of mutual benefits in sickness or death, was in- 
stituted April 23, 1883, by the Deputy Grand Councilor, of Mount 
Morris, Mich., and includes twenty members. Its officers are Charles 
W. Shippey, chief councilor; Mrs. C. W. Shippey, vice-councilor; 
Walter W. Clendenning, treasurer; David A. Brow, secretary; Dr. 
Wilham E. Best, medical examiner; Elizabeth McCormick, prelate; 
A. H. Hoover, marshal; Mary Clendenning, warden; WiUiam Fox, 
guard; John F. Ferguson, sentry. 

Motto, "Friendship, Aid and Protection." 

KNIGHTS OF MACCABEES NUMBER 274. 

Organized at North Branch for mutual protection in case of 
death or permanent disabihty or for members having reached the age 
of seventy years, March 31, 1881, with fifteen charter members; viz., 
Irving Weston, George Deo, A. H. Rankin, Charles King, N. B. 
McCormick, G. H. Downer, J. Scott, J. H. Thompson, S. W. How- 
ard, J. H. BidweJl, George McKenzie, J. H. Baldwin, G. D. Miller, 
I. A. Blackburn, E. Doane. 

First officers: Irving Weston, sir knight commander; George 
Downer, heutenant commander; G. D. Miller, past commander; J. H. 
Bidwell, record keeper; A. H. Rankin, finance keeper; Joseph Scott, 
prelate; George McKenzie sergeant; J. H. Baldwin, picket; Nelson 
McCormick and J. H. Thompson, guards. 

ELM CREEK GRANGE P. OF H., 

North Branch Township, was organized April 18, 1881, having thir- 
teen members. It now contains about twenty-two members. Its 
first officers were George Bennett, master; Leonard McArthur, over- 
seer; Jacob Schell, secretary; Alfred Chase, treasurer; Amos Marsh, 
lecturer; Harry Pierce, chaj)lain. 

BAND. 

North Branch Band, organized in August, 1876, with eight 
members, now contains fourteen members: A. C. Galbraith, solo 
alto, leader; L. Kinney, first E flat cornet; George Deo, second E flat 
cornet; R. C. Dayton, first B flat cornet; R. J. Baldwin, second B 
flat cornet; Wilham Galbraith, first alto; F. W. Draper, second alto; 
A. H. Hoover, trombone; S. Stone, first B flat tenor; J. Scott, sec- 
ond Bflat tenor: George Downer, baritone; J. H. Vandecar, tuba; 
D. Hart, bass drum; Eugene Deo, snare drum; Charles Sicklesteel, 
drum major. 

THE PIONEER BANK 

was estabhshed by R. B. Lippincott and F. B. Howard in Decem- 
ber, 1879. It is a private bank with a capital of about |30,000, and 
does a good business. 

NEWSPAPER. 

The Obsc rrc r weis estabhshed by V. S. Miller in 1875. In 
1879 it was sold to F. J. Galbraith, who changed the name to 
Weeklii <Tazette and still remains proprietor. The (ifazette has a 
circulation of over eight hundred copies and is well sustained. 

MANUFACTURING. 

The only interest that approaches near a manufacturing inter- 
est is in connection with a steam saw-mill owned and operated by 
George Sicklesteel, The mill was built by Irving Weston in 1872 
and purchased by George Sicklesteel in 1879, being 56x72 with a 
wing 30x40, two stories in height. The machinery consists of a 
large circular saw sixty-six* inches in diameter, edger, slab saw, ma- 



*^^ 







Res. OF Joshua Gillings,DrydenTp. Lapeer Co., Mich. 







Res. OF Geo. B.Terry, Dpyden Tp.,lapeer co.mich. 



Aj; 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



189 



chinery for sash and blinds, planer, etc. Tliey manufacture sash 
and Winds, patent circular hoops, all kinds of household furniture, 
keep a furniture wareroom, employing about twenty-five men and 
doing a business of over |20,000 annually. Mr. Sicklesteel also 
owns a grist-mill, which, with another mill, comprise the mills of 
North Branch. 

INCORPORATION. 

The village was incorporated under a charter in 1881 with 
Charles Ballard as president, and the following officers: Clerk, 
WiUiamO'Neil; treasurer, Henry Stewart ; street commissioner, A. B. 
Sholes; assessor, John H. Swailes; constable, William Westley. 

1882: President, H. C. Weston; clerk, J. H. Vandecar; treas- 
urer, Henry Stewart; assessor, John H. Swailes; street commis- 
sioner, Wihiam O'Neil; constable, James Nelson. 

1883: President, E. B. Lippincott; clerk, J. H. Vandecar; 
treasurer, G. D. Miller; assessor, John H. Swailes; street commis- 
sioner, John C. Wade; constable, C. K. Arnell. 

Fire department organized in June, 1882, with Daniel Hollin- 
ger, chief engineer, and James Bidwell, assistant; Isaac Blackburn, 
foreman engine company; A. H. Eankin, foreman of the hose com- 
pany. Seneca Falls, N. Y., engine. 

Present officers (1888)— Daniel Hollinger, chief ; Isaac Black- 
burn, assistant; Henry Simmons, foreman engine company; Mar- 
tin Fay, assistant; Wilham Smith, foreman of hose company, Frank 
Draper, assistant. 

The population of the village in 1883 is about 900. There are 
seven dry goods and grocery stores, three drug stores, two hardware 
and six grocery stores, two harness shops, two furniture stores, two 
hotels, one foundry, two flouring-mills, one saw-mill and a sash, 
door and blind factory, printing office, bank and the other business 
interests usually found in villages. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Charles Ballard was born in Franklin County, Mass., in 1812. 
Went to Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1819, resided in that vicinity 
till 1854, when he settled in Burhngton Township, Lapeer County, 
being among its very early settlers. In 18^0 he made North Branch 
his home, where he has since resided. Both in Burhngton and 
North Branch he has ever been closely identified in their history, 
having been supervisor, township clerk, etc. Till within fifteen 
years he was engaged in farming, being very successful in his voca- 
tion. Since retiring from the farm he has been deahng in money 
and at present is the highest assessed man in North Branch Town- 
ship. In 1840 he married Miss Mary Bowe, who was born in the 
State of New York in 1819 and died Dec. 14, 1846, since which he 
has remained single. His family consists of two children—Mrs. 
Almeda E. Moore, who lives in Burhngton on the old homestead 
and Charles W., who resides in North Branch. His father, Elijah, 
was born in Franklin County, Mass., in 1787, and died in Trumbull 
County, Ohio, in 1867. His mother, Sophronia Bascomb, was born 
in Franklin County, Mass., in 1792, and died in 1869, leaving a 
family of four — Almeda, Charles, Juha, Mary. 

Eev. F. J. Galbraith was born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1830. 
Eeceived a common-school education. Settled in Algonac, Mich., m 
1865 and joined the M. E. Church as a local preacher by letter from 
the Wesleyan Methodist Church from Canada and was ordained in 
1869, and has ever since been engaged in the ministry. In 1879 
he purchased the WeeJdy Ohserrer at North Branch, where he had 
settled in 1870. The paper now enjoys an extended circulation. 

Mr. Galbraith was married in 1856 to Ehza Schell, who w^as 
born in Toronto, Ontario, 1837, and died Sept. 5, 1882. Their 
family consists of Annie M., Albert C, Wilhe and Nellie. 



John Castle was born in W^estford, Chittenden County, Vt., in 
1798. Settled in Michigan, Lapeer Township and County ,'^ in 1854, 
aiid died in 1880. He had been twice married, first to Hannah 
KeUogg, who was born in Massachusetts in 1806, and died in 1854, 
leaving four children—O. J., S. T., H. S.,. L. K. His second mar- 
riage occurred in 1855 to Mrs. Vannatter, by whom he had two 
children—Hannah Tiavidic and Henry, both of whom live in Sagi- 
naw. 

Ozro J., who was born in 1835, owns half of section 6, North 
Branch Township, and has the making of a splendid farm, and al- 
though a portion of his land formerly was covered with pine it has 
a good soil. He has the most of it cleared and good substantial 
buildings. Married in 1868 Lorinda Yannetter, who was born in 
1845, by whom he has three children— Bertha, Eoena, Eula. Mr. 
Castle jobbed in ^the lumber woods for several years previous to be- 
coming a farmer. 

H. S., who was bornin 1840, now resides on section 28, Bur- 
hngton Township, having one of the best improved farms in the 
township. Since hving there he has been highway commissioner, 
and at present is one of the three county superintendents of the 
poor for Lapeer County. He enhsted in 1862 and served during 
the entire time in the celebrated Berdan's First Eegiment of United 
States Sharp-shooters, as sergeant in Company K, and participated 
in all the engagements in ^vhich the Army of the Potomac were. 
Has been twice married. First in 1870 to Mary Coverdale, who was 
born in 1846 and died in 1873. Second marriage occurred in 1874 
to Mrs. Joanna Coverdale (maiden name*McKillop and daughter of 
Archibald McKillop), who was born in 1846. One child— Sidney 
A., born August, 1878. 

Levi K., born in 1847. Married in 1875 Fiances L. Kennedy, 
born in Oxford County, Ontario, in 1854. One child— Floyd H., 
born April, 1881. Besides on section 6, North Branch, being a 
farmer in good circumstances. 

H. C. W^ESTON, born in Otsego County, N. Y., in 1827, in con- 
nection with his father's family moved to Genesee County, N. Y., 
in 1831. In 1837 he made Lapeer County, Mich., his home, set- 
tling at Lapeer City. In 1866 moved to North Branch, and en- 
gaged in the hotel business for three years, when he settled on his 
farm on section 5, being part of the village, where he now resides; 
also, in connection with his son, deals in hardware. He was mar- 
ried in 1849 to Esther Maria Gates, who was born in the state of 
New York, in 1829. Three living children, Emily E. Briggs, 
Jane-B. Sholes, George W. Lost one by death, Kittie Maud, who 
was born May 30, 1872, and died August 26, 1872. Mr. Weston 
was a member of the first council and the second president of the 
village of North Branch. 

Charles W. Shippey was born in Oakland County, Mich., in 
1844. Came with his father's family to Metamora, Lapeer County, 
in 1847, and to North Brancli in 1854. Married in 1868 Irene 
Pemberton, who was born in Clinton County, Ky., in 1850. Three 
children: Elmer, Nellie, Sarah. He is engaged in the mercantile 
business at North Branch. His father, N. S. Shippey, was born in 
Jefi'erson County, N. Y., in 1821. Went to Oakland County, Mich., 
in infancy, and was one of the very first settlers of North Branch, 
Lapeer County, since w^hich he has held dift'erent offices of the 
highest position in the gift of his townsmen. Married in 1842 to 
Sarah M. Fellows, who w^as born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1821. 
His family consists of Charles W., Permelia, born in 1847 and died 
in 1849, and Priscilla. 

J. H. Vandecak was born in Oxford County, Ontario, in 1855. 
Went to Chicago in 1872; remained a year, when he settled in La- 
peer County, and is now engaged in the drug business at North 



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Jl 



190 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



it^ 



Branch. Married in 1880 Annie Mott, who was born at Oxford, 
Canada, in 1858. 

E. B. LippiNcoTT was born in Burhngton County, New Jersey, 
1853. Came to Lapeer County, Almont Township, in 1868. In 
1872 went to Lapeer City and engaged in book-keeping. In 1876 
moved to North Branch and engaged in the hardware business. 
Was appointed postmaster in 1879, w4iich office he stih holds. In 
connection with Mr. Howard opened the Pioneer Bank at North 
Branch in December of the same year. Is the present president of 
North Branch village. Married in 1871 Nettie V. Smith, of Lapeer, 
who w^as born in Chatham, Ontario, in 1857. Two children, Edith, 
Carl Garfield. 

James P. Keeler was born in Genesee County, N. Y., in 1812. 
Settled in Macomb County, Mich., in 1833. Moved to Oakland 
County, in 1837, and in 1854 settled in North Branch, on section 
2, where he now lives. Has been supervisor, justice, and highway 
commissioner for several terms. Married in 1833 Ann Abernethy, 
who was born in Canada, in 1808, and died in 1874. Four chil- 
dren : Britania, who died in 1874; Henry M., w4io lives on the home- 
stead; Albert, who died in infancy; Ellen L. Schell. 

William Skym was born in London, England, in 1833. In 
connection with his father's family made New^ York City his home 
in 1834, thence to Ashtabula County, 0., in 1843. In 1854 settled 
at Lapeer City, and in the following year located on section 
9, North Branch, where he now resides, being a farmer of 120 
acres. Married in 1856 Elizabeth Converse, who was born in Ohio 
in 1839. Four children: Adelbert, who was born m the year 1858, 
and died and died at the age of three and a half years; Sarah I. 
Sutherland, who lives at home; Mertie E.; Gertrude I. His 
father, John, was also born in London, England, in 1816 and died 
in 1878. His mother, Susan Goodspeed, was born in London in 
1813, and died in 1876. Their family consisted of John, Jr., Susan, 
William and Peter. 

William Lucas w^as born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1821. 
Settled in Detroit in 1853. Stopped a year there. Went to Oak- 
land County, w^iere he remained till 1856, when he located on sec- 
tion 15, North Branch, where he now resides. Married in 1847 
Eliza Fessey,who was born in England in 1824, and died December 
9, 1882, leavhig four children, Elizabeth Thompson, Kobert, Hattie 
Farns worth, who lives in Mayfield, Jane Patrick. Mr. Lucas en- 
listed in 1861 in the Tenth Michigan Infantry. Served under Sher- 
man till the close of the war. 

Henry Aris was born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1839. Set- 
tled in Wayne County, Mich,, in 1855, and in North Branch, in 
1869, on section 10, where he now lives. Married in 1862 Esther 
Casterton, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1839. They 
have had three children, John H., born December, 1862; William 
E., born October 13, 1864, died September 22, 1866; Emma M., 
born 1868. His father, John, was born in Oxfordshire, England, 
in 1809, and lives with his son Henry. Was married in 1838 to 
Ann Lucas, who was born in Oxfordshire, England, 1819, and 
died June 23, 1873, leaving a family of ten children. 

Kobert Thompson was born in County Tyrone, Ireland,in 1819. 
Settled in 1842, and in North Branch, Lapeer County, Mich., in 
1865. Now lives on section 10. He was married in 1841 to 
Nancy Stewart, who was born in 1819. Twelve children: Isabella, 
who died in 1845, James, John, Kobert, William, Margaret Jane, 
who died in Canada, Alexander, Jared, Mary, Ann, Jane and 
David. 

Stephen Chambers w^as born in Brant County, Ontario, in 
1839. Settled at North Branch, December 1, 1868. Married in 
1862, Mary Garbutt, who was born in Toronto, Ontario, 1839. 
They have ten children, all under age and live at home, viz. : Will- 



iam Edward, Alpharetta K., Alice A., KosettaE., Eunice E., Frank 
L., Fannie H., Oscar C, Otis W., Annie BeUe. 

D. C. Wattles was born in Bradford County, Penn., 1829. 
Settled in Lapeer Township, Mich., in 1837. Was a soldier in the 
Mexican war under General Scott, being in Company I First 
United States Artillery. He and George Bennett were the first to 
seek a location in North Branch Township, bring in February, 1854, 
and located his land in the March following, having a farm of 440 
acres. Since living in North Branch, he has been supervisor and 
township clerk several terms. Has been twice married, first in 
1851 to Mrs. Susan Maria Rood, whose maiden name was Paddock, 
and was born in Barre, Vermont, in 1815, and died 1871. Second 
marriage in 1872, to Jane Blakely, who was born in the State of 
New York in 1832. They had two boys, both of whom died when 
very young. 

W. W. CoFFRON was born in Calais, Me., in 1829. Settled in 
St. Clair County, Mich., in 1853, and in Lapeer County, North 
Branch, in 1863, and lives on sestion 10, owning in the county 480 
acres of land. He has always been engaged in lumbering, owning 
mills, etc., and at present is lumbering in Cheboygan County, be- 
sides his farming. He also has quite a bit of village property at 
North Branch village. Married March, 1857, to Fanny E. Birge, 
who w^as born in Oakland County, Mich., in 1839. His family con- 
sist of William H., born in 1861; Alvan B., 1863; George K., 
1865; Daniel L., 1867; Eva D., 1869; John B., 1872; Fannie E., 
1873; Maggie G., 1877; Sarah 0., 1881. 

Thomas V. White w^as born in Dryden Township, Lapeer 
County, in 1850. Settled in North Branch in 1874, and owned 
and operated the stage line between North Branch and Five Lakes 
for seven years. Is now engaged in the grocery business at North 
Branch. Married in 1876 to Mary L. Rutlidge, who was born in Ox- 
ford, Ontario, 1849. Two children: Maud, born in 1877; Eva, 
1879. 

John McCormick was born in Ontario, in 1843. Settled in 
North Branch in 1870; blacksmith by trade, but purchased a livery 
in 1883, in^vhich he is engaged. Married in 1871 Margaret Mc- 
Lean, who was born in Scotland, in 1849. Four children : JohnC, 
Daniel H., F. P., and Jennie. 

L. R. Whiting w^as born in Oxford County, Ontario, in 1844. 
Settled in North Branch in 1857. Now lives on section 36, and 
operates a steam saw-mill. 

George Sicklesteel was born in Chatham, Ontario, in 1825. 
Settled in Deerfield, Lapeer County, Mich., in 1864, and engaged 
in the manufacture of sawed lumber, where he remained seven 
years, at which time he purchased the saw-mill at North Branch, 
in which he is still engaged in both manufacturing lumber, shingles, 
sash, doors and blinds, lath, etc. He also makes all kinds of 
household furniture. Also owns a grist-mill which he rents. His 
business amounts to some $25,000 annually. While in Deerfield 
he wiis township treasurer for three years. He was married in 
1852, to Fannie Blackburn, who was born at Chatham, Ontario, 
in 1826. Six children: Mary C, G. Melvin, Esther A., Isaac D., 
Charles S., Frank A. 

F. S. Porter was born in Monroe County, New York, in 1831. 
Received his education at the Monroe Academy and Wesleyan Sem- 
inary, at Lima, New York. Subsequently he engaged in teaching 
his last engagement being at Niagara FaUs as principal of the Un- 
ion School for six years. In 1876 he purchased his beautiful farm 
in the village of North Branch, Michigan, w^here he still resides, be- 
ing the second highest assessed man in the township. Since living 
in North Branch Township he has been justice of the peace, school 
inspector, and a member of the county board of school examiners. 
He was married in 1853 to Miss Mary E. Rogers, who was born in 



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HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



191 



Chautauqua County, New York, in 1831. Their family consists of 
three children: Cora E., born in 1857, married in 1880 Lewis J. 
Eichards and lives in Eich Township, Lapeer County; Stuart, 
who married in 1883, who was born in Mayfield in 1862, and Stella 
M. 

Daniel Hollingee was born in Switzerland in 1844. Settled 
in Oneida County, New York, in 1853. He early learned the trade 
of harness making which he has ever followed. Settled in North 
T3ranch in 1875, and carries on his trade, having a fine business in 
which he employs two men. He is chief engineer of the fire depart- 
ment of North Branch. Married in 1866 Catharine Kenefiien, who 
was born in Saratoga County. New York, in 1847. One child, 
Augusta. 

Daniel Orr was bom in Canada East in 1851. Settled at 
North Branch in 1865. His first business on his own account was 
as proprietor of a meat market. In 1875 he engaged in the hard- 
ware business, which he still follows in connection with agricult- 
ural implements and building and contracting, in all of which he 
does a business of nearly $20,000 annually. He was married in 
1876 to Miss Martha Hugill, who was born in Canada in 1851. 
Three children, Octie Lloyd, Addison C, Lula Mabel. 

Dr. a. E. Weed was born in Elgin County, Ontario, in 1855. 
Graduated at Ann Arbor Medical College in 1876. Settled in North 
Branch in 1878 and commenced the practice of his profession, 
which, in connection with the drug business, he still follows. Mar- 
ried, January, 1883, Eliza J. Sillers, who was born in Oxford 
County, Ontario, in 1860. 

J. H. Baldwin was born in Oxford County, Ontario, in 1850. 
Settled in North Branch in 1873. Engaged as sawyer in a mill 
which he continued till 1883, when he commenced the sale of agri" 
cultural implements. Married in 1876 Elizabeth Smith, who was 
born in Lapeer County, in 1857. Two children, Herman J., Ethel A. 

E. V. Langdon, Esq., was born in Cornwall County, England, 
in 1845. Emigrated to Canada in 1852. Graduated at the Nor- 
mal School at Toronto, in 1865, taught in Ontario County, Canada, 
and in 1873 went to Erie County, New York, as teacher, which he 
has followed for years. Settled in Lapeer County in 1877, has 
been principal of the high school at North Branch two years 
and finally, in 1880, was admitted to the bar in Lapeer County, and 
is now practicing his profession at North Branch. Married in 1868 
to Emma Bungard, who was born in Prince Edward County, On- 
tario, in 1852. One child, Mary Edna. 

George A. Chase was born in Elgin County, Ontario, in 1844. 
Settled in North Branch with his father's family as early as 1856 
on section 3, which his father located and on which he still resides. 
Has been twice married. First, in 1866, to Betsy Ann Lodge, who 
was born in Elgin County, Ontario, 1848 and died in 1869. Second 
marriage occurred in 1877. He married Mrs. Esther Hart, whose 
maiden name was Hugill, who was born in 1845, by whom he has 
two children, Blanch, Nellie Maud. Mrs. Chase's first marriage 
occurred in 1862, to A. Hart, who was born in 1838 and died in 
1864. One child, Eachael E. His father, John Chase, was born 
in Elgin County, Ontario, in 1819. Married in 1843, to Amanda 
A. Deo, who was born in Ontario in 1826. He enlisted in 1861 
and was drowned in the Ohio Eiver while in the service, in 1862. 

Alfred Chase was born in Elgin County, Ontario, in 1824. 
Settled in St. Clair County, Michigan, in 1843, and in North Branch 
Township, Lapeer County, in 1854 ou section 3, where he now 
lives, being among the first settlers of the township. Married in 
1850, to Elizabeth Brown, who was born in England in 1829. Set- 
tled in Kent County, Ontario, in 1852. They have five children, 
Maximilian, Daniel, John, Ann A. Stockwell, who lives in Arcadia, 
Delia, who lives at home. 



J. F. More, was born in Almont Township, Lapeer County, 
Mich., in 1852, being the son of ex-sheriff More. Early learned 
the trade of engineer, in which he is engaged on the P. 0. & P. A. 
Eailroad and resides at North Branch at present. Married in 1877, 
Marian A. Gibson, who was born in Metamora Township in 1856 
and died March 9, 1883. One child, Kezzie, born in 1877. 

G. H. Cummings was born in Genesee County, Michigan, in 
1855. Settled in North Branch in 1878, and engaged in the mer- 
cantile business, doing with his partner, about |15,000 annually, 
besides being engaged in real estate and money loaning. Married 
in 1880, Sarah Mott, who was born in 1864. 



TOWN OF DEERFIELD. 

The town of Deerfield comprising township 9 north, of range 
10 east, lies between the towns of Eich on the north, Marathon on 
the west, Mayfield on the south and North Branch on the east. The 
surface is generally level or slightly rolhng and the soil a clay loam 
with gravelly and sandy loam in some portions. Flint River flows 
through sections 4, 8, 9, 17 and 18, and separates from the 
rest of the township about 3,300 acres, or one-seventh of the town- 
ship in the northwest corner. 

The first settlement of the town was in this corner by Lorenzo 
Merrill. Mr. Merrill was a native of New York. He came to Mich- 
igan in the spring of 1853, and bought land in sections 7 and 8, 
building a log house on the northeast corner of section 7 ,to which 
he brought his family in the fall of the same year. This log house 
still stands, though as a residence it has given place' to a comforta- 
ble frame house. Coming to their home in the wilderness they left 
the last traces of civilization, a road, if a road it could be called, at 
Piersonville and thence cut their way in. To "keep the wolf from 
the door" in those days may have been difficult in its figurative 
sense; but in its literal sense it was impossible. Mrs. Dudley, the 
surviving daughter of the family, relates that being left alone with 
her sister in the house, they heard the howls of wolves prowling 
around the house and in the morning found their tracks about 
the door. 

The nearest market at this time was Lapeer, a distance now of 
twelve miles but then fully eighteen, and far more if measured 
by the difficulties of travel. 

Mr. Merrill died September 16, 1883, aged seventy-five years, 
respected and honored by the community in which he had dwelt for 
so many years. His wife, whose maiden name was Samantha In- 
gram, and who was also a native of New York, died June 10, 1882, 
aged seventy-three years. 

The next settler was Moses Swadling, who emigrated from 
Canada, and who also settled on section 7. 

Then came Martin Huffman who settled on the southwest 
quarter of section 5. He afterward removed to Caro, Tuscola 
County. These all came in sometime during the year 1853, as also 
Lewis Wilcox, C. L. Smith, WilHam Swadling and Leonard Oliver. 

The first school in the township was taught by Augusta Mer- 
rill, daughter of Smith Merrill, in the little log school-house near 
Lorenzo Merrill's. 

The first marriage in the township was Henry J. Oliver to 

Nancy Swadling, by Kev. Mr. Lapham, of North Branch. And 

the first birth was a son to this couple, named John Henry Oliver. 

The first death was that of Mrs. Martha Smith, wife of Cor- 

nehus L. Smith, and daughter of Lorenzo Merrill. 

The first religious meetings held in the township gathered at 
the house of Lorenzo Merrill, and were conducted by Rev. S. D. 



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192 



HISTOEY OF LA.PEEE COUNTY. 



Caley, a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and then 
residing in Oregon, Lapeer County. He died in the summer of 
1860. A class of the M. E. Church was organized in the town, and 
had regular preaching once in two wrecks, heing supplied from the 
North Branch Mission of which this class formed a part. The first 
pastor of this mission was Rev. Mr. Kilpatrick, and services were 
held at Lorenzo Merrill's. A series of meetings was also held here 
during the winter. Then came Rev. Mr. Tuttle, who held a series 
of meetings in a little log school-house, the first in the township, 
which resulted in a general revival. When this charge was annexed 
to the Watertown Circuit, the Rev. Mr. Pierce, who was afterward 
editor of the Huron Censor, and now resides at Jackson, hecame its 
pastor. Then Revs. Miles, Hodge, Whitcomh, Wright, Newstead, 
-and Sherman. During the pastorate of the last a house of worship 
was huilt, which was dedicated March 18, 1880, hy Rev. Dr. Atkin- 
son, of Bay City. The coi-porate title of the church is the "First 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Deerfield." The present member- 
ship of the church is about sixteen. Rev. F. J. Galbraith is pastor, 
and holds services every other Sunday. A union Sunday-school is 
held every Sunday. 

The Methodist Protestant Church holds services under the charge 
of Rev. Mr. Miller, every alternate Sunday in the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church; also at school-houses in other parts of the town. 

The Baptists also have services at the school-houses of the 
town, preaching being generally by Elder Orvil Koyl. 

The postofiice of the town, known as the Drake Postoffice, was 
established in 1877, at the house of Abner C. Folsom. Mr. Folsom 
was appointed postmaster, and still retains the office. 

A grange of the Patrons of Husbandry was organized January 
15, 1882, with seventeen members, under the name of Flint River 
Grange No. 656. It has now nineteen members. Its principal 
officers are Albert Bolton, master; Mrs. Lemuel Vandecar, overseer; 
R. McMichael, secretary; John Tozer, treasurer. 



Section 1 . 



Section 2. 



Section 8. 



Section 4. 



ENTRIES OF LAND PRIOR TO 1856. 
TowNsmp 9 north, range 10 east. 
Charles Seymour, January 16, 1837. 
Henry K. Sanger, January 16, 1837. 
Henry K. Sanger, January 16, 1837. 
William S. Driggs, March 19, 1853. 
Samuel Lewis, December 27, 1854. 
Stillman Elwell, April 25, 1855. 
Amos Peck, July 6, 1855. 
Francis R. Cutting, July 12, 1855. 
Joseph J. WarreUi, August 18, 1855. 
William Hamilton, December 1, 1852. 
Ralph C. Smith, December 13, 1852. 
William S. Driggs, December 17, 1852. 
Ralph C. Smith, December 17, 1852. 
Willifam S. Driggs, February 7, 1853. 
Ralph C. Smith, February 7, 1853. 
Wilham S. Driggs, March 22, 1853. 
Ralph C. Smith, March 22, 1853. 
George M. Dewey, December 6, 1854. 
Alexander McFarland, June 12, 1855. 
Wilham T. Perkins, August 14, 1855. 
George Perkins, August 14, 1855. 
Joseph J. Warren, August 18, 1855. 
Peter Desnoyer, May 19, 1836. 
John Pierson, December 25, 1852. 
Ralph C. Smith, March 19, 1853. 
Peter Yandvke, March 16, 1855. 



Section 4. Thomas Craig, June 14, 1855. 

George M. Dewey, November 26, 1855. 
Section 5. Henry K. Sanger, January 16, 1837. 

James F. Yeats, January 24, 1852. 

Abel A. Brockway, August 30, 1852. 

George Niner, December 11, 1851. 

Smith Dart, February 11, 1852. 

E. J. White, April 18, 1853. 

Joseph and Morrisena Merrill, December 26, 1853. 

Peter Vandyke, March 16, 1855. 
Section 6. Smith Merrill, September 19, 1851. 

Nehemiah Smith, February 11, 1852. 

Abel A. Brockway, August 30, 1852. 

Edgar Sheldon, October 20, 1852. 

Jesse H. Barber, December 20, 1853. 

Moses Swadhng, Jun^ 24, 1854. 

Cornelius Smith, A^^ril 18, 1855. 
Section 7. Alvin Stewart, June 13, 1836. 
Section 8. James B. Murray, April 18, 1836. 

Alvin Stewart, June 13, 1836. 

Wihiam Hamilton, December 1, 1852. 

Samuel Lewis, April 21, 1853. 

Elijah B. Evans, May 1, 1855. 

Elijah B. Evans, November 21, 1855. 
Section 9. James B. Murray, April 18, 1836. 

John L. Talbot and Walter W. Deane, May 17, 1836. 

Peter Desnoyer, May 19, 1836. 

Ralph C. Smith, March 22, 1853. 

WiUiam S. Driggs, December 1, 1852. 

Noah H. Hart, January 3, 1855. 
Section 10. Henry K. Sanger, January 16, 1837. 

WiUiam S. Driggs, March 22, 1853. 

Wilham Hamilton, March 19, 1853. 

Samuel Lewis, April 21, 1853. 

Washington J. Wilson, March 16, 1855. 
Section 11. Joseph B. Hart, June 19, 1852. 

WiUiam S. Driggs, March 19, 1853. 

Samuel Lewis, April 21, 1853. 

Stephen J. Rider, October 24, 1854. 

Francis R. Cutting, March 12, 1855. 

Simeon R. Warren, August 27, 1855. 

Alexander McFarlane, October 1, 1855. 
Section 12. Tomlinson Wells, January 16, 1837. 

Seth P. Beers, January 16, 1837. 

Joseph B. Hart, June 19, 1852. 

Ralph C. Smith, AprU 23, 1853. 
Section 13. George Smith, June 10, 1854. 

Alexander McFarlane, October 1, 1855. 
Section 14. Erotas P. Hastings, February 20, 1837. 

Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 

Alexander McFarlane, October 1, 1S55. 
Section 15. Henry K. Sanger, January 16, 1837. 

Henry Wood, December 26, 1853. 

Lucien Howe, April 19, 1854. 

Noah H. Hart, June 3, 1854. 

Lucien Howe, December 11, 1854. 

Elijah W. Rising, January 12, 1855. 
Section 16. R. J. Johnson, March 4, 1853. 

Hart & Covert, June 27, 1854. 
Section 17. Nathan Dickinson, AVilliam H. linlay and George 
Beach, Ajml 2, 1:^36. 

Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 
Beech, April 18, 183(). 



1^ 






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6 

1 


HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 193 






Section 17. 


James B. Murray, April 18, 1836. 


Section 30. James Minor, April 18, 1836. 






Section 18. 


Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 

Beach, April 2, lb36. 
Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 

Beach, April 7, 1836. 
Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 

George Beach, April 18, 1836. 


Homer Foote, April 18, 1836. 

William Fairfield, December 16, 1851. 
Section 31. James Minor, ApriM8, 1836. 

James Turrill, April 18, 1836. 
Section 32. James Minor, April 18, 1836. 

Eodney D. Hill, January 19, 1837. 






Section 19. 


James Miner, April 18, 1836. 
James Turrill, April 18, 1836. 
Nathan Dickinson, William H. Imlay and George 

Beach, April 18, 1836. 
E. J. White, March 13, 1853. 
John Evans, July 26, 1852. 
Enoch J. White. May 7, 1853. 
Nathan H. Allen, May 18, 1855. 


Eichard 1. Johnson, July 26, 1852. 
Samuel B. McNeal, October 30, 1854. 
Henry 0. Nash, August 13, 1855. 
Section 33. Eodney D. HHl, January 19, 1837. 

Isaac T. and John D. Milhs, March 23, 1854. 

Luoien Howe, May 10, 1855. 

Lucien Howe, July 2, 1855. 

James H. C. Blades, November 8, 1855. 






Section 20. 


Walter W. Dean, May 6, 1836. 

George F. Ball, September 21, 1836. 

E. J. White, August 16, 1S51. 

Phineas White, September 2, 1851. 

E. J. White, February 11, 1854. 

E. J. White, May 5, 1854. 

Noah H. Hart and Thomas Gallagher, May 22, 1854. 


Section 34. Arastus K. Boss and George W. Todd, February 16, 
1854. 

Isaac T. and John D. Millis, March 23, 1854. 
Section 35. Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 

Melitiah Chaffee, December 8, 1853. 

Melitiah Chaffee, December 15, 1853. 

Isaac T. and John D. Millis, March 23, 1854. 






Section 21. 


Eneas Gudgeon, May 24, 1837. 

Thomas Gudgeon, May 24, 1837. 

Dennis G. Lawrence and Eeuben Mc Arthur, April 19, 

1854. 
Lucien Howe, April 19, 1854. 


Section 36. Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 
Noah H. Hart, December 2, 1855. 






CIVIL HISTOEY. 








Noah H. Hart and Thomas Gallagher, May 22, 1854. 


The civil history of the town dates from December 18, 1855, 








Moses Miller, June 9, 1855. 


when townships 9 and 10 north, of range 10 east, were detached 








Alexander McFarlane, October 1, 1855. 


from the town of Marathon and organized by the board of super- 






Section 22. 


Lucian Howe, April 19, 1854. 

Noah H. Hart and Thomas Gallagher, May 22, 1854. 
Noah H. Hart and Thomas Gallagher, June 5, 1854. 
Alexander McFarlane, September 26, 1855. 
Alexander McFarlane, October 1, 1855. 


visors of the county as the town of Deerfield. In December, 1858, 
township 10 was detached and organized as a town under the 
name of Eich. 

At a meeting of the electors of the township of Deerfield on the 
7th of April, 1856, for the purpose of electing township officers, there 






Section 23. 


Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 
Lucian Howe, April 19, 1854. 
Alexander McFarlane, October 17, 1855. 


being no board of inspectors present, on motion of Leonard Oliver, 
and supported by Lucian Howe, Lewis Wilcox was chosen moderator, 
and on motion of Lorenzo Merrill, supported by Lewis Wilcox, L. 






Section 24. 


Francis G. Macey, March 27, 1837. 


Howe was*chosen clerk. On motion of L. Wilcox and supported by 






Section 25. 


Oscar F. Cargill, April 29, 1853. 
Freeman Knowles, September 2, 1853. 
Benjamin B. Eedfield, October 8, 1853. 
Benjamin B. Eedfield, October 13, 1853. 
Charles Carpenter, October 22, 1853. 
Uriah Beebe, April 24, 1854. 
Horace W. Vaughan, May 8, 1854. 


Asa Eichards, Lorenzo Merrill was chosen moderator of the board 
of inspectors and Leonard Oliver and Martin Huffman to constitute 
the board of inspectors of this meeting. The oath was administered 
by the moderator to Leonard Oliver and Martin Huffman accord- 
ing to the constitution and to Lucian Howe as clerk and then by the 
clerk to Lorenzo Merrill. 

The following w^ere the officers elected: Supervisor, Lewis Wil- 






Section 26. 


Freeman Knowles, September 2, 1853. 

Harvey Seeley, October 8, 1853. 

Josiah K. Dewey, October 8, 1853. 

Benjamin B. Eedfield, December 19, 1853. 

Isaac T. Millis and John D. Milhs, March 23, 1854. 

Isaac T. Milhs, March 30, 1854. 

Alexander McFarlane, October 17, 1855. 


cox; clerk, Henry J. Oliver; treasurer, Asa Eichards; school inspect- 
ors, S. Wilcox and Moses Swadling; overseer of the poor, Martin 
Huffman; road commissioners, Lorenzo Merrill for one year, Sim- 
eon Warren for three years, Thurston Wells for two years; justices 
of the peace, Leonard Oliver for one year, Lorenzo Merrill for two 
years and Joel Eichards for four years ; constable, Cornelius Smith. 
It was resolved that there be fl50 raised to defray 






Section 27. 


George W. Wilhams and James Eraser, March 28, 

1837. 
Noah H. Hart and Thomas Gallagher, May 22, 1854. 
Alexander McFarlane, October 17, 1855. 


the current expenses of the township for the current year, and that 
there be three dollars wolf bounty paid by the township for each 
and ev-ery wolf destroyed in the township for the ensuing year. 

On. motion of Lorenzo Merrill, supported by Lucian Howe, 






Section 28. 


Eodney D. Hill, January 19, 1837. 
George W. WiUiams and James Eraser, March 28, 
1837. 


Leonard Oliver was elected overseer of the highways of District 
No. 1; also Eh Thayer of District No. 2. 

At a special meeting called by the township board May 3, 1856, 






Section 29. 


James Turrill, April 18, 1836. 


Leonard Oliver was elected commissioner of highways to fill the 








Eodney D. Hill, January 19, 1837. 


vacancy of Thurston Wells. 






George Brockway, May 22, 1854. 


The treasurer's report for the first year, and dated March 31, 


L 

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194 



HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



1857, shows the following debits: township tax, fl55. State and 
county tax, f 336.65, road tax, |130.06, school tax f 69.78. 



TOWN OFFICEES. 

1856. — Supervisor, Lewis Wilcox; clerk, Henry J. Oliver; treas- 
urer, Asa Richards. 

1857. — Supervisor, Lewis Wilcox; clerk, Henry J. Oliver; treas- 
urer, Cornelius Smith. 

1858. — Supervisor, Lewis Wilcox, clerk, Henry J. Oliver; treas- 
urer, Clark Oliver. 

1859. — Supervisor, Henry J. Oliver; clerk, David Petteys; 
treasurer, Clark Ohver. 

1860. — Supervisor, Henry J. Oliver; clerk, David Petteys; 
treasurer, Clark Oliver. 

1861. — Supervisor, Lewis Wilcox; clerk, Henry J. Oliver; 
treasurer, Clark Oliver. 

1862. — Supervisor, Lewis Wilcox; clerk, Clark Oliver; treas- 
urer, Lysander Curtis; number of votes, 29. 

1863. — Supervisor, Lewis Wilcox; clerk, John Matteson ; treas- 
urer, Lysander Curtis ; number of votes, 28. 

1864. — Supervisor, Lewis Wilcox; clerk. Miles F. Dudley 
treasurer, Sanford P. Colvin ; number of votes, 24. 

1865. — Supervisor, Henry J. Oliver; clerk, Miles F. Dudley 
treasurer, Elijah B. Evans; number of votes, 25. 

1866. — Supervisor, Miles F. Dudley; clerk, Abner C. Folsom 
treasurer, George W. ChapHn ; number of votes, 28. 

1869. — Supervisor, Miles F. Dudley; clerk, Oliver Carter 
treasurer, George Sicklesteel. 

1870. — Supervisor, Miles F. Dudley; clerk, EHas B. Vanmar 
ter; treasurer, George Sicklesteel. 

1871. — Supervisor, Elias B. Yanmarter; clerk, D. W. Warren 
treasurer, Thomas Craig. 

1872. — Supervisor, Miles F. Dudley; clerk, A. C. Folsom 
treasurer, Thomas Craig. 

1873. — Supervisor, Miles F. Dudley; clerk, Alexander Johnston 
treasurer, Thomas Craig. 

1874.— Supervisor, Elias B. Vanmarter; clerk, Jerome R. War- 
ren; treasurer, George Tozer. 

1875. — Supervisor, Elias B. Vanmarter; clerk, Jerome R. War- 
ren; treasurer, George Tozer. 

1876. — Supervisor, Jerome R. Warren; clerk, Henry H. Baker; 
treasurer, Thomas Craig. 

1877. — Supervisor, Miles F. Dudley; clerk, D. W. Warren; 
^ treasurer, Thomas Craig. 

1878. — Supervisor, Seward Redfield; clerk, Edgar Swartout; 
treasurer, George Cliff. 

1879. — Supervisor, Edgar Swartout; clerk, Archibald Ray- 
mond; treasurer, Joseph H. Bearss. 

1880. — Supervisor, Edgar Swartout; clerk, Frank Kitterman; 
treasuier, Joseph H. Bearss. 

1881. — Supervisor, Joseph H. Bearss: clerk, Archibald Ray- 
mond; treasurer, Edgar Swartout. 

1882. — Supervisor, Edgar Swartout; clerk, A. C. Folsom; 
treasurer, Wesley Main. 

1883.— Supervisor, Andrew Kester; clerk, A. C. Folsom; 
treasurer, Wesley Main. 

Census of 1874: Population, 611; acres of taxable land, 20,- 
227; of improved land, 1,246; number of sheep, 163; of horses, 73; 
of cows, 134. Products of the preceding year, 586 pounds of wool; 
7,983 pounds of butter; 2,026 bushels of wheat; 3,640 of corn; 
6,171 of other grains; 115 of apples; 3,136 of potatoes; 408 tons of 
hay ; 240 pounds of maple sugar. 



The population of the town in 1880 was 1,001. 

Aggregate valuation of real and personal property in 1882 as 
equalized by the board of supervisors was $265,000. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of the town of Deer- 
field for the year 1882, shows the number of school buildings to 
have been six;number of school children, 275. The school inspect- 
ors for the ensuing year were Orvil Koyl, Edgar Swartout, Joseph 
Burns, Charles Dingman, Nelson Hunt, Andrew Kester. 

THE FIRE OF 1881. 

The township of Deertield suffered severely by the great fire of 
September, 1881. The following list of property destroyed was 
made at the time and is probably as correct as can be given : 

"George Cliff's old shingle-mill property; Michael King, gran- 
ary and thirty tons hay; Eleazer Wilson, house and stables, fences, 
hog, $50, insurance none; John Alcorn, getting in logs for A. B. 
Royce's shingle-mill, house and contents, stable, tools, team, wagon 
and harness saved; Mrs. Alcorn and children had a very narrow 
escape from the fiames, having wandered about for some hours be- 
fore arriving at a place of safety ; Mr. Labar, house and part of con- 
tents, seventeen new bed quilts, three hogs, fl25, insurance none; 
Edmund Wilson, oak lumber and shanties, $100, insurance none; 
also in Burlington at McKeen mill, 100,000 feet logs, 40,000 feet 
lumber, f 600, insurance none; Stephen Smith, shingle-mill, houses 
and three hogs, f 3,000, no insurance; D. Purdy, household goods, 
$100, insurance none; L. Oviatt, household goods, f 100, insurance 
none; A. McMann, household goods, $100, insurance none; A. 
Stockwell, household goods, $50, insurance none; William Putman, 
household goods, two hogs, $75, insurance none; W. W. Crapo, a 
quantity of shingles, $300, insurance none; J. F. Parsons, hay and 
etc., $100, insurance none; John Tozer, barn, hay, grain and fences, 
$1,000, insurance not ascertained; William Avis, fences, $25, in- 
surance none ; J. Dockham, barn and contents, stacks and fences, 
$150, insurance none ; U. Swift, two stacks hay, barn and contents, 
two hogs, fences clean sweep, $500, insurance not ascertained; 
George Hascall, J mile fences, $100, insurance none; Alexander 
Johnston, fences; Joseph Roach, fence; Joseph Warren, fence; 
Charles Warren, fence; Orin Duman, fence; Richard Robbins, fence 
and meadows; John Baxter, fence and meadows; Redfield Estate, 
four miles fence and four thousand rails; F. Kitterman, fences; 
Walter Perkins, fences; Edgar Swartout, household goods, barn 
frame, and fences; Mr. Norton lost everything except his family; 
William Peter, timber; William Putman, all his household goods; 
Mr. Brown, fences; James Letell, 80 rods fence and corn in field; 
Mr. Kester, one mile fence, 2,500 rails, corn and timber; Daniel 
LaBar, all his buildings, goods and fences, three hogs; E. P. Millis, 
fences and timber; P. Ivory, fences, timber and meadows; J. P. 
Millis and son, three miles fences, timber, meadows, and three miles 
tram road. John Bell, fences and timber; F. H. Ivory, fences and 
timber; H.Kausier, fences and timber; Edgar Horton, fences and tim- 
ber ; Calvin Huntley, fences and timber ; H. B. Littlefield, barn, 30 tons 
hay, fences and timber; Irvin Dockham, building, hay, grain, fences; 
John Rackle, fences and timber; G. Quada, fences and timber; C. 
Watz, fences; James Sommers, fences and timber; D. Bliss, fences; 
Utter Swift, barn, hay, wheat, stock, and all his farming tools, 
fences, meadows; Sabin Sutton, fences; D. B. Goodrich, fences and 
meadows ; Hiram Storum, barn, hay, straw and fences; John Hugh- 
son, fences; Vincent, building and fences; William Wilson, oak 
lumber and buildings; Alanson Bliss, fences and timber; Robert 
King, timber; A. B. Royce, pole road and trucks; Shubal Smith, 
mill and buildings, owned by McGiddings ; Dennis Brothers, build- 
ings, lumbering tools, eleighs, etc.; S. S. Lee, fence and mead- 
ows." 



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HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



196 



BIOGEAPHICAL. 

Andrew Warren was born in Lapeer Township, Lapeer County, 
Michigan, in 1848. He learned the trade of a painter, but preferred 
the hfe of a farmer. In 1864 he enhsted in the Third Michigan Li- 
fantry, serving until the end of the rebellion; was in the south- 
western department. Was married in 1873 to Minetta Colvin, who 
is also a native of Lapeei: County. They have five children. In 
1881 he settled with his family on 100 acres of land he has in sec- 
tion 3, Deerfield. 

George Tozer was born in 1808 in Monroe County, N. Y. 
He came to Wayne County, Michigan, in 1837. In 1859 he settled 
ih Deerfield, being one of the pioneers of the township. He was a 
wagon maker by trade, but after coming to this county was always 
a farmer. Mr. Tozer was treasurer of the township for two years, 
and had held the office of justice of the peace for a number of years 
at the time of his death, which occurred in December, 1878. In 
1840 he was married to Miss Alice Corn well, a native of Canada of 
American parentage. They had six children, of whom one son and 
two daughters survive. Mrs. Tozer was born in 1819 and still lives 
on the homestead in Deerfield. 

John Tozer was born in Livonia, Wayne County, Michigan, in 
1843, where he worked when he was young in a saw-mill owned by 
his father. In 1859 when his parents came to Deerfield he accom- 
panied them. He has a farm of 138 acres in sections 2 and 11. In 
1868 he was married to Miss Carohne Johnson, a native of Ontario. 

Frederick D. Fricke was born in Metamora, Lapeer County. 
in 1849. Was educated in the township schools and brought up on 
a farm. His family moved to Lapeer Township, and he lived there 
until 1880, when he removed to Deerfield, where he has 70 acres in 
section 1, of which 53 are cleared. In Lapeer he served as highway 
commissioner, constable, etc. Was highway commissioner of Deer- 
field in 1882, and in 1883 was postmaster of District No. 3. 
Was married in 1875, to Anna L. Northrup, of Attica. They have 
had three children, only one of whom survives. 

John Sutter was born in Argau, Switzerland, in 1834. Came 
to Canada in 1853. He made his home at Danville, but followed a 
seafaring life in the summer season. Upon leaving there he went 
to East Saginaw, Michigan, where he worked for a number of years 
in Whittier's salt block. In 1869 he came to Deerfield, where he 
had 40 acres of land in section 3. He afterward bought 100 acres 
more. He was married in 1858 to Catharine Henry, who is also a 
native of Switzerland. They have two sons and a daughter. 

Archibald EaymondIs a native of the township of Norwich, Ox- 
ford County, Ontario, where he was born in 1844. In 1855 came 
to Marathon Township with his father. Has always followed farm- 
ing. In 1878 he settled on section 15, Deerfield, where he has a 
farm of 160 acres, 50 cleared. Was township clerk from 1880 till 
1883. Was married in 1866 to Miss Elizabeth Clute. They have 
three sons and one daughter living. 

Henry B. Wilson was born in Ancaster, Ontaiio, in 1833, 
afterwards lived in Burford and Dumfries. In 1872 came to Deer- 
field, Lapeer County, and settled on section 10, on 80 acres of land, 
65 of which are cleared. Served as highway commissioner one 
year. Married Hannah Grandine, of St. Catherine's, Ontario, in 
1856. They have two sons and a daughter living. 

Andrew Kester was born in Markham Township, York County, 
Ontario, 1848. He was educated to be a teacher and is a graduate 
of the Normal School at»Toronto, from which he received a second 
class certificate, and afterward was given a provincial first class one. 
He taught four years in Markham, two in Uxbridge and three and 
a quarter in Whitchurch. In April, 1880, he came to Deerfield, 
bought 280 acres of land in section 35, and commenced farming. 



In November, 1882, he was appointed supervisor, and in April, 1883, 
was elected to the same office. He has won gclden opinions in the 
township for the able manner in which he has performed the duties 
of the office. He has been director of School District No. 6 since 
September, 1880. In 1868 he was married to Miss Mary E. Cliff, of 
Pickering, Ontario. They have three daughters. 

Joseph C. Sweet was born in Dunham, Lower Canada, now 
Quebec, in 1830. Learned the trade of a tanner and currier, and 
was in business with his brother at Broome, Quebec, for seven years. 
In 1869 he came to Michigan, farmed for some time in St. Clair 
County, and then came to Lapeer County, living at first in Elba 
Township. In 1872 he bought 120 acres of land in section 19, 
Deerfield, of which he has about 50 cleared. Was director of School 
District No. 5 for six years, and in 1883 was elected justice of 
the "peace. In 1858 was married to Adelia O'Brien, a native of 
Vermont. They have had five sons and seven daughters, of whom 
all but one son are living. 

Charles Dingman was born in Monroe County, N. Y., in 1828, 
He learned the trade of a mason at Scottsville, near Rochester. He 
followed it and farming until 1854, when he came to Michigan. 
For seven years he lived in Pontiac and Birmingham. In 1861 he 
went to Lapeer, where he had the contract for the mason work on 
the present jail, which was built in that year. Worked at his trade 
in Lapeer for about six years, less about a year in the army. He 
then went on a small farm near that city. From there he moved to 
the township of Attica, where he farmed it some three years. Was 
a member of the S'irst Michigan Engineers and Mechanics for about 
a year. Has been a road commissioner and director of School Dis- 
trict No. 4, Deerfield. Was elected to the latter office in 1881 and 
re-elected in 1883. Came to Deerfield in 1880 and farms eighty 
acres in section 30. He has been married twice. He was married 
to his present wife in 1861, who was a Miss Mary E. Young, of 
New Jersey. Has had two children by her and two by his deceased 
wife. 

Thomas C. Baker was born in Nottingham, England, in 1830. 
Learned the trade of an engineer in that city. Emigrated to the 
United States in 1850, and for the first twelve years was a resident 
of Eichfield, Grenesee County, Mich., where he was engineer in a 
saw-mill. Previously, however, to coming to this country, he was 
an engineer on the Liverpool & Manchester Bail way. On leaving 
Eichfield he was engineer in the saw-mill of the late Governor 
Crapo, at Flint, for two years. Held the same position in the old 
Union grist-mill at Lapeer, for seven years, and then ran an en- 
gine in a saw-mill, in Attica, and again in Lapeer. In 1876 he 
bought and settled on 123 acres of land in section 30, Deerfield, 
forty of which he has since given to his son. Is now, 1883, asses- 
sor of School District No. 4, which office he has held five years. In 
1851 was married to Mary Jane Fenner, who was born in New 
York State. They have four sons and three daughters. Mr. 
Baker was one of the charter members of the Lapeer lodge of 
L 0. 0. F. 

James McIntire was born in Inverness, Scotland, in 1853. 
His parents emigrated to Canada in 1856, settling in Grey County, 
in Ontario. The son learned the trade of a blacksmith in Simcoe. 
In 1867 he came to Detroit and was in the employ of the M. C. 
Eailway for some three years. From 1870 to 1874 he was em- 
ployed at East Saginaw, MayviUe and North Branch. In the latter 
year he came to Deerfield and carried on a shop until 1879, when 
he bought forty acres of land in section 5, where he now farms it. 
He has been township drain commissioner since 1877, and mode- 
rator of School District No 1 since 1878. Was married in 1876 to 
Miss EHza Morrison, of Hamilton, Ontario. They have two daugh- 
ters and one son. 



-f^ 



Leonaed Oliver was born in Lower Canada in 1803. In 1817 
he went to Vermont and lived in Franklin, Chittenden County, until 
1833, when he went to Upper Canada and lived in Oxford County 
until 1859, when he removed to Deerfield Township, Lapeer County, 
where he bought 500 acres of land, and commenced to make a farm. 
Deerfield at that time was almost an unbroken wilderness, there 
being but three other settlers in it. For a number of years he held 
the offices of justice of the peace, highway commissioner, etc. He 
was married in 1830 to Mary Persons, a native of Vermont. Mrs. 
Oliver is still living, and she and her husband make their home at 
the house of their son-in-law, Wesley Main. Besides this mar- 
ried daughter, they have two other children, Clark and Barney 
Oliver, both farmers in Deerfield. 

Oliver Carter was born in Chenango County, N. Y., in 1822. 
When four years of age was taken to Trumbull County, 0., by his 
parents. Lived on a farm until he was eighteen years of age. 
Learned the cabinet-maker's trade at Newton Falls, and worked at 
it there for twelve years. Afterward he was a farmer in Lorain 
County, and was in the mercantile business near Columbus. In 
1818 he came to Eich Township, Lapeer County, and was one of 
the first settlers in it. In 1864 he removed to Deerfield, where he 
farms ninety acres in section 4. While in Eich was highway com- 
missioner, and in Deerfield has held all the township offices from 
supervisor down. In 1862 he enhsted in Company I, Fourteenth 
Michigan Infantry, serving until discharged for physical disability. 
In 1864 he re-enHsted in the InvaHd corps, serving at various 
points in this State until the close of the war, when he returned to 
Deerfield. Since his return has been connected with the M.E.Church, 
and occasionally preaches-in this and adjoining counties. He was 
married in 1844 to Miss Orilla Griswold. They have had seven 
children, five of whom survive. Mr. Carter brought the first 
threshing machine into Eich Township. His fife has been a check- 
ered one and had its ups and downs. Several times he has had 
his buildings destroyed by fire, but being possessed of lots of pluck 
his^motto is ''Nil desperaiidum.^^ 

E. B. HuGHsoN was born in Wolcott, Wayne County, N. Y., 
in 1831, and in 1844, with his parents, came to Lapeer County, 
Mich. After he became of age he engaged in farming and lumber- 
ing in the township of Oregon till 1876, when he removed to Bay 
City. In October, 1877, he returned to Lapeer County, and settled 
on section 4, in the township of Deerfield, where he has since re- 
sided, and has cleared and improved fifty acres of his farm. He 
enhsted in 1864 in the Ninth Michigan Infantry, and served under 
General Thomas until the close of the war. Was married in 1854 
to Miss Maria Parsons, and was married a second time to Miss 
Lydia C. Landon in 1865. They have one son. 

Abner C. Folsom was born in Alden, Erie County, N. Y., in 
1823. He came to Hillsdale, Mich., in 1844. Studied medicine 
there and practiced in Adams, Moscow and Jefferson Townships. 
Came to Goodland, Lapeer County, in 1854, where he also prac- 
ticed his profession. Located in Deerfield in 1865, and lives on 
section 6, and owns sixty-five acres. Has been a justice of the 
peace and town clerk for a number of years in both Goodland and 
Deerfield. Is now postmaster at Drake P. 0., to which he was 
appointed in 1878. In 1850 he married Olive D. Cole, of Farming- 
ton, Mich. They have had six children; three sons and two daugh- 
ters n6w living. 

Cyrenius Gallinger was born in Brockville, Ontario, in 1840, 
and came to Lapeer County, Mich., in 1858. He first lived in La- 
peer. In 1861 he enlisted for three years in the First Michigan 
Cavalry. At the expiration of his time in 1864, he came to Deer- 
field, and lives on section 8, where he has 165 acres. Has been 
township treasurer and highway commissioner. Married in 1866 



to Miss Ann Amelia Stevenson, a native of New York State. They 
have four daughters. 

Barney Oliver was bom in 1840, in Norwich, Oxford County, 
Ontario, where he was brought up as a farmer. In 1865 he came 
to Deerfield and farms it on eighty-five acres in section 7. He was 
married in 1870 to Miss Ehzabeth Vaughan, of Detroit, who died in 
1881. Four children survive her. 

Jeremiah Johnson was born in 1836 in Gosfield, Essex County, 
Upper Canada, now Ontario, of American parents. In 1837 they 
moved to Wayne County, Mich., afterward to Oxford, Oakland 
County. In 1854 he came to Marathon, Lapeer Cotmty, and in 
1856 removed to Deerfield, where he has a farm of eighty acres in 
section 6. Has been treasurer of School District No. 1, also a con- 
stable. In 1858 he was married to Miss Mary Allen, of Dutchess 
County, N. Y. They have had nine children, of whom three daugh- 
ters and two sons are now living. 

Lorenzo Merrill was born in Weston, Oneida County, N. Y., 
in 1808. Came to Michigan in 1851, and was the first settler in 
the township of Deerfield, where he has a farm of eighty acres in 
section 7. Has been a justice of the peace for twenty-one years, 
also served several years as highway commissioner, and laid out the 
first roads in the township. In addition to farming was a lumber- 
man for a number of years. Married in 1831 to Miss Samantha 
Ingraham. They have four daughters and one son living. 

Cornelius L. Smith was born in 1828, in Wayne County, N.Y. 
Up to his twenty-third year he was -principally employed in saw- 
mills. Came to Lapeer County in 1853. Bought land in section 
6, Deerfield, where he now has 186 acres. Has been a justice of 
the peace, town treasurer, highway commissioner, etc. In 1861 he 
enhsted in Company H, Tenth Michigan Infantry, in which he was 
third sergeant. Served through the war in the Western Depart- 
ment. He was married in 1855 to Martha A. Merrill, who died in 
1856, and by whom he had a son. In the same year was again 
married, to Miss Phihnda Myers. They have five children, two daugh- 
ters and three sons. 

Joseph H. Bearss was born in 1834 in western Canada. He 
learned the carpenter and joiner's trade at Aylmer, Ontario, and the 
wagon-maker's trade in Oxford County. He came to Deerfield in 
1871, and farms sixty-five acres in section 5, Deerfield. Has held 
the office of supervisor one year, treasurer two years, superintendent 
of schools two years, and has been also connected in other positions 
with the schools for about six years. Was married in 1860 to Ade- 
hne D'Long, of Oxford County, Ontario. They have one child, a 
son. 

Miles F. Dudley was born in Genesee County, N. Y.,in 1825. 
His parents came to Michigan in 1826 and settled in Washington, 
Macomb County. In 1862 he came to Deerfield, where he has a 
farm containing sixty-nine acres in section 5. Has been supervisor 
for eight years, town clerk two years, and in 1883 was elected high- 
way commissioner. Has been married twice, the first time in 1849. 
In 1860 was married to his present wife, whose name was Lucretia 
Merrill. They have two children, a son and a daughter. The 
house in which they live was the first dwelling erected in Deerfield. 



TOW]^ OF BURLINGTON. 

The town of Burlington, described in government survey as 
township 10 north, of range 11 east, hes on the northern line of 
Lapeer County. It is bounded on the north by Tuscola County, on 
the west by the town of Eich, on the south by North Branch and 
on the east by Burnside and Sanilac County. It is agriculturally 



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HISTOKY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



197 



one of the best towns in the county, having a gently roUing surface 
and a fertile soil, generally a clay loam. 

But one entry of land was made in this town prior to 1853. 
This was by Tomlinson Wells in section 31, Jan. 16, 1837. Entries 
of land were made August 17, 1853, by Ealph C. Smith, in sections 
19, 29, 30 and 31 ; but no entries appear to have been made for act- 
ual settlement until 1854. 

Among the earliest settlers were William 0. Smith, whose wife 
is said to have been the first white woman in the town and to cross 
the north branch of Flint Kiver, William Barnett, James Day, 
Charles Ballard, Henry Seaman, Ehsha Durphy, David Congdon, 
Jonathan and Edmond Spencer, Lucius M. Lyon, George Nightin- 



The text was John, fourth chapter, twenty-fifth verse: *' Say ye 
not. There are yet four months and then cometh harvest? Behold, I 
say unto you. Lift up your eyes and look on the fields ; they are al- 
ready white to harvest. " There were about thirty persons present, 
coming from many miles around. 

The first services of the Methodist Episcopal Church were held 
by Elder Tnttle and a class organized in 1856. Services have been 
regularly held ever since, much of the time by Elder Henry Sea- 
man, one of the earliest settlers, and whose name is thus promi- 
nently identified with the religious, as it has been with the civil 
history of the town. 

Another pioneer preacher of Burhngton was Elder Jesse Shaw, 




Imported Cov^, ROSA BONHEUR and Calf. 
Melk Recokd in Two Year Old Foem, 13.411 llb. 4 oz. Pbopeety of Wm. Westover, Bay City. 



gale, Kobert Stafford, Nicholas Soper, Alonzo Buckley, Jonathan 
D. Kennedy, William Bentley, Wihiam Clark, Reuben Dickinson, 
William Kennedy. Among these the entry of William 0. Smith in 
section 3B, dated April 25, 1854, is the earliest. 

At a very early date death invaded the thin ranks of the pio- 
neers, taking the father of George Nightingale in 1854. The body 
was carried about fifteen miles by hand upon a bier and then con- 
veyed by team to Lapeer for burial. 

The first person to be buried in the new cemetery of the town 
was Thomas Seaman, brother of Henry Seaman. He died March 
7, 1857. 

The first birth was Carlton, son of William 0. Smith, in 1855. 
He is not now a resident of Burlington. 

The first marriage was of William Edwards to Rutii, daughter 
of Edmond Spencer, by Esquire Ballard. 

The first rehgious services were conducted by Elder Matthew 
McLain, a Baptist minister, at Nicholas Soper's house, in 1855. 



a Baptist preacher, who settled on section 3 in 1856, and of whom 
the following story is related. The elder was one Sunday on his 
way to hold services in the south part of the town when he met 
Christopher Middaugh, a mighty hunter in the land, with a saddle 
of venison on his back. "Yoa are in luck, Uncle Christ," said the 
elder. "Yes," Mr. Middaugh rephed, "and I have got meat to work 
on through the week." Then, perhaps fearing rebuke for his Sun- 
day hunting, he hastened to inform the elder that he had left the 
fore quarters for him, pointing back to the spot where he had killed 
the buck. It is said the elder's sermon was short that day, for he 
was out of meat and anxious to secure his prize. 

There is as yet no church edifice in Burlington, though it is ex- 
pected that one, and perhaps two, will soon be constructed. 

The Methodist Episcopal class has services every alternate 
Sunday in the McKillop school-house, under charge of Eev. George 
Walker, of North Branch. Services are also held in Oatman'sHall 
in the village of Clifford. 



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198 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



The Baptist denomination holds services every other Sunday 
in the McKillop school-house, also at Clifford: preaching by Elder 
Parmenter, of North Branch. 

North Branch Grange No. 607, of the Patrons of Husbandry, 
is an active and prosperous organization, having a membership of 
thirty-four. It meets once a month at the house of Peter Stiver in 
the town of Burlington. Its officers are, Harrison Bradshaw, mas- 
ter; Emery E. Owen, overseer; Nathan Stover, secretary; Garrett 
Teller, treasurer. 



THE VILLAGE OF CLIFFOED. 

This is an unincorporated village in the northern part of the 
town of Burlington, situated on sections 3, 4, 8 and 9. 

The first building of the village was erected by Arden W. Ly- 
man, who occupied it as a store, postoffice and dwelling-house. 
This was about the year 1862, when a mail route was established 
from North Branch to Clifford. The name was given by Mr. Ly- 
man, after his son Clifford. Mr. Lyman was first postmaster and 
was succeeded by John Wilson and he by Moses Middaugh, the 
present incumbent. This point being the junction of the State 
road with the center road of Burlington, the main road running 
north, became a center, not only of trade, but of travel, and in 1871 
a hotel was built by Moses Middaugh. In 1875 a steam saw-mill 
was built by A. W. Lyman, which burned in the spring of 1883. 

A renewed life and prosperity for the village began with the 
construction of the Port Huron & Northwestern R. R. in the spring 
of 1882 and the subsequent construction of the Pontiac, Oxford & 
Port Austin R. R., making this the junction of the two roads. 
From these railroad enterprises sprang the portion of the village 
known as North Chfford, about one third of a mile distant from the 
older part of the village which is known as South Clifford. It be- 
gan with the construction of a hotel in February, 1882, by G. God- 
dard, and is rapidly pushing to the front as a thriving village. Chf- 
ford has now about sixty-five or seventy buildings, including two 
saw-miUs, a grist-mill in course of construction, four general stores, 
two drug stores, a hardware store, furniture store, two shoe shops, 
two harness shops, three blacksmith and wagon shops, two eleva- 
tors, a millinery store, meat shop and two hotels. Other buildings 
for trade and residence are in course of construction. 



Section 1. 
Section 2. 
Section 3. 



Section 4. 



Section 6. 
Section 9. 

Section 10. 



ENTRIES OF LAND PRIOR TO 1860. 

TOWNSmP 10 NOETH, RANGE 11 EAST. 

Andrew Conley, May 11, 1859. 
James Crowfoot, August 4, 1859. 
John Bostwick, March 12, 1856. 
George Crow, March 18, 1856. 
Jesse Shaw, March 21, 1856. 
Andy Pearson, May 6, 1856. 
Joseph Moyer, August 4, 1859. 
William C. Griffin, October 25, 1855. 
Jonathan Spenser, November 7, 1855. 
Joseph W. Grass, November 7, 1855. 
Andy Pearson, May 6, 1856. 
Nelson WaUey, April 16, 1859. 
Orson Marvin, April 11, 1859. 
Reuben Dickinson, October 27, 1854. 
William Clark, October 27, 1854. 
Warren Judd, October 30, 1854. 
Charles Newton, October 30, 1854. 
Alvin Reynolds, October 30, 1854. 
William Salsberry, May 1, 1855. 



Section 10. 
Section 11. 

Section 14. 



Section 15. 



Section 16. 



Section 17. 



Section' 18. 



Section 19. 



Section 20. 



Section 21. 



Section 22. 



Section 23. 



Section 24. 



Section 25. 



Reuben Smith, October 1, 1855. 
John Bostwick, March 12, 1856. 
Charles Ballard, October 11, 1854. 
Lorenzo Pierce, October 30, 1854. 
Charles Harper, October 30, 1854. 
Carse Crane, April 17, 1855. 
Naham Chadbourn, October 4, 1854. 
James Ballard, October 4, 1854. 
Charles Ballard, October 11, 1854. 
Carse Crane, April 17, 1855. 
Conrad Graul, July 25, 1855. 
Frederick Stone, September 7, 1858. 
Henry Seaman, October 11, 1854. 
Thomas Seaman, October 11, 1854. 
William Bentley, October 11, 1854. 
C. Middaugh, December 19, 1855. 
Elisha Durphy, April 7, 1856. 
Milton WilHams, November 7, 1856. 
William N. Coones, May 21, 1857. 
Hugh Loose, June 1, 1857. 
C. A. Chipman, July 27, 1857. 
Joseph Banbury, December 18, 1857. 
Cyrus 0. Chipman, April 6, 1855. 
Daniel McKillop, June 5, 1855. 
Ruth Spencer, October 12, 1855. 
Elijah Allen, November 6, 1855. 

George Klock, November 6, 1855. 
Daniel McKillop, June 5, 1855. 

William Cohoe, June 7, 1855. 

David M. Taylor, September 16, 1855. 

Henry Almas, January 29, 1856. 
Ralph C. Smith, August 17, 1853. 

Alexander McKillop, October 30, 1854. 

Daniel McKillop, June 5, 1855. 

William H. Hartshorn, August 13, 1855. 

Alexander McKillop, January 5, 1856. 
David Congdon, July 27, 1854. 

Ehsha Durphy, July 27, 1854. 

Jacob Stevens, October 4, 1854. 

Jacob Stevens, October 3, 1854. 

Matthew McLean, April 8, 1856. 
Jonathan Spencer, June 22, 1854. 

David Congdon, July 27, 1854. 

Elisha Durphy, July 27, 1854. 

Piatt Banker, August 4, 1854. 

Alson Congdon, December 15, 1854. 

Patience Hilliker, June 19, 1854. 

Luke Peaslee, July 19, 1854. 

George Glassford, November 18, 1854. 

William Bentley, December 11, 1854. 

John W. Peaslee, August 20, 1855. 

Sylvester Gark, January 12, 1856. 

Nahum Chadbourn, October 4, 1854. 

Levi Linsbury, October 10, 1854. 

Edmund Spencer, September 19, 1855. 

Charles S. PhilhpB, December 21, 1854. 

Alfred W. Phillips, December 21, 1854. 

Alfred W. PhilUps, April 28, 1856. 

L. M. Woodey, AprH 5, 1858. 

WiUiam Barnett, June 22, 1854. 

EH H. Beebe, November 28, 1854. 

Abner Hotchkiss, December 15, 1854. 

Alonzo Buckley, January 9, 1854. 






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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



199 



Section 28. 



Section 29. 



Section 25. William Barnett, May 26, 1855. 

James W. Grass, November 6, 1855. 

Eli H. Beebe, December 26, 1855. 
Section 26. James Day, June 22, 1854. 

Alfred Hendry, October 18, 1854. 

Alonzo Buckley, January 9, 1855. 

Franklin Hendry, February 2, 1855. 
Section 27. Patience Hilliker, June 19, 1854. 

Luke Peaslee, July 19, 1854. 

James Gark, July 11, 1854. 

Luke Peaslee, October 3, 1854. 

Alfred Hendry, October 18, 1854. 

George W. Nightingale, October 10, 1854. 

Franklin Hendry, February 1, 1855. 

Franklin Hendry, February 2, 1855. 

Lucius M. Lyon, May 12, 1855. 

Walter D. Dewey, June 24, 1854. 

Walter D. Dewey, June 17, 1854. 

James Gark, July 27, 1854. 

Ealph C. Smith, August 17, 1853. 

Nicholas P. Soper, June 22, 1854. 

Jonathan Spencer, June 22, 1854. 

James Patrick, August 21, 1854. 

Henry Ward, December 1, 1854. 

Morris S. Winegarden, April 18, 1855. 

William Cohoe, June 7, 1855. 
Section 30. Kalph C. Smith, August 17, 1853. 

Cyrus L. McCully, October 12, 1854. 

Benjamin E. Whittacker, October 16, 1854. 

John Buchanan, November 9, 1854. 
Section 31. Tomlinson Wells, January 16, 1837. 

Ealph C. Smith, August 17, 1853. 

Samuel Hendry, January 18, 1855. 

Samuel Hendry, January 17, 1855. 

Franklin Hendry, February 1, 1855. 
Section 32. John M. Beach, April 25, 1854. 

WiUiam M. Lockwood, June 12, 1854. 

Jehiel Davis, July 3, 1854. 

Leland H. Kittredge, July 6, 1854. 

James Patrick, August 21, 1854. 

Henry Eood, September 5, 1854. 

William C. Griffin, October 17, 1854. 

Jonathan D. Kennedy, April 14, 1855. 
Section 33. William 0. Smith, April 25, 1854. 

Eichard Beach, June 12, 1854. 

Jonathan Spencer, June 22, 1854. 

Eleazer Taylor, July 18, 1854. 

Eobert Stafford, October 16, 1854. 

Eobert Stafford, December 1, 1854. 

Lucius M. Lyon, May 12, 1855. 

John P. Smith, June 7, 1855. 
Section 34. Gilbert Finkle, August 6, 1858. 

David Finkle, May 12, 1859. 

Gilbert Finkle, August 6, 1858. 

Thomas McGaphlin, August 6, 1858. 

William Kittle, August 15, 1854. 

James Ballard, October 4, 1854. 

Thomas McLoghlin, November 9, 1854. 

Lucius M. Lyon, May 12, 1855. 
Section 35. Luke Peaslee, August 5, 1854. 

George Eussell, August 14, 1854. 

John B. Eeadhead, August 14, 1854. 

Lepper Bedell, August 14, 1854. 



Section 35. 



Section 36. 



Elcy B. EusseU, August 28, 1854. 
James Ballard, October 4, 1854. 
John B. Eeadhead, November 28, 1854. 
James Day, June 22, 1854. 
John Day, June 22, 1854. 
Luke Peaslee, August 5, 1854. 
Nathan Brazie, August 14, 1854. 
WiUiam Bedell, August 14, 1854. 
Eh H. Beebe, August 17, 1854. 
David Poss, August 15, 1854. 
Edwin A. Weston, October 5, 1854. 
Eh H. Beebe, October 16, 1854. 



CIVIL HISTOEY. 

December 18, 1855, township 10 north, of range 11 east, was 
organized as the town of Burlington. The first town meeting was 
held at the house of Edward Spencer, April 7, 1856. The inspect- 
ors of election were Edward Spencer, Henry Bedell and William 
Kittle. 

'* Statement of votes given at the township meeting held in the 
township of Burlington, on the 7th day of April, A. D. 1856, for 
the following officers, to wit: Supervisor, township clerk, three 
justices of the peace, one township treasurer, three commissioners of 
highways, three school inspectors, two overseers of the poor, over- 
seers of highways. 

"The whole number of votes given for supervisor was twenty- 
four of which Charles Ballard received twenty-four. The whole 
number of votes given for township clerk was twenty-four, of which 
William Kittle received twenty-four. The whole number of votes 
for justices of the peace was sixty-nine, of which Lucius M. Lyon 
received twenty-four, David M. Taylor twenty-four, Elijah Allen 
fourteen, and Elias Spencer eleven. The whole number of votes 
given for township treasurer was twenty-two, of which Edmond 
Spencer received twenty- two. The whole number of votes given 
for commissioners of highways was sixty-eight, of which Henry 
Bedell received seventeen, William Barnett fifteen, Jonathan D. 
Spencer seventeen, William Bentley eight, Nicholas P. Soper 
seven, and Jonathan Spencer four. The whole number of votes 
given for school inspectors was forty- eight, of which Henry Bedell 
received twenty-four, William Bentley twenty-three, and William 
Barnett one. The whole number of votes given for constable was 
ninety-three, of which Cyrus 0. Chipman received twenty-four, 
John W. Day twenty-three, William Salsberry twenty-three, and 
Sylvester Gark twenty-three. The w^hole number of votes given 
for overseers of the poor was forty-eight, of which Charles T. 
Phillips received twenty-four, and Cyrus 0. Chipman twenty-four. 
For overseer of highways Jonathan Spencer was elected viva voce.^' 

One hundred dollars was voted viva voce, to be raised by tax for 
incidental expenses. 

The result of the election was declared by the inspectors, who 
were William Kittle, Cyrus 0. Chipman and Lucius M. Lyon. 
Elijah Allen was however declared elected treasurer, and Charles 
Ballard shool inspector, for which no reason appears in the record. 

The first treasurer's report shows the following debits: For 
town purposes, flOO; for school tax, $51.69; for highway tax, 
$64.42; for county and State tax, $129.72; four per cent for col- 
lecting, $13.43. 

December 3, 1863, a special town meeting was held at which 
it was voted to pay a war bounty of $200 to each of the nine men 
called for from the town under the call of the President. And at a 
special meeting held July 9, 1864, a bounty of $100 was voted to 



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HISTOEY OF LAPBEE COUNTY, 



each person enlisting or furnishing a substitute, for one year's 
service in the army. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of the town of 
Burlington for the year 1882, shows the number of school buildings 
to have been six; number of school children, 351. The school 
inspectors for the ensuing year were Emory E. Owen, Walter 
Harrington, Peter Stiver, William Winter, Wesley Grover, Miles 
Finkle. 

Census of 1874: Population, 954; acres of taxable land, 
22,920; of improved land, 7,414; number of sheep, 840; of swine, 
435; of neat cattle, other than oxen and cows, one year old and 
more, 464; of horses, 280; of work oxen, 106; of milch cows, 427. 
Products of the preceding year, 3,261 pounds of wool; 9,130 
pounds of pork marketed; 4,600 pounds of cheese and 30,400 of 
butter made; 14,400 bushels of wheat raised; 6,500 of corn; 23,000 
of other grain; 444 of apples; 6,600 of potatoes, and 988 tons of 
hay. In 1874, 1,713 pounds of maple sugar was m^ade. 

The population of Burlington in 1880, was 1,252. 

Aggregate valuation of real and personal property as equalized 
by the board of supervisors in 1882, was $382,000. 



TOWN OFFICERS. 

1856 — Supervisor, Charles Ballard; clerk, Wilham Kittle; 
treasurer, Edmund Spencer. Number of votes, 24. 

1857 — Supervisor, Charles Ballard; clerk, William Kittle; 
treasurer, Elijah Allen. Number of votes, 22. 

1858 — Supervisor, Charles Ballard; clerk, William Kittle; 
treasurer, Elijah Allen. Number of votes, 34. 

1859 — Supervisor, Charles Ballard; clerk, Archibald McKillop; 
treasurer, Elijah Allen. Number of votes, 45. 

I860 — Supervisor, Archibald McKillop; clerk, William Smith; 
treasurer, J. D. Kennedy. Number of votes, 40. 

1861 — Supervisor, ArchibaLl McKillop; clerk, William Smith; 
treasurer, J. D. Kennedy. Number of votes, 62. 

1862 — Supervisor, Archibald McKillop; clerk, William Smith; 
treasurer, J. D. Kennedy. Number of votes, 48. 

1863 — Supervisor, Archibald McKillop; clerk, William Smith; 
treasurer, J. D. Kennedy. 

1864 — Supervisor, Archibald McKillop; clerk, William Smith; 
treasurer, Ehjah Allen. Number of votes, 59. 

1865 — Supervisor, Archibald McKillop; clerk, William 0. 
Crosby; treasurer, John Kennedy. 

1866 — Supervisor, Archibald McKillop; clerk, William 0. 
Crosby; treasurer, Sanford Bradshaw. 

1867 — Supervisor, Archibald McKillop; clerk, John Appleman; 
treasurer, Henry Seaman. Number of votes, 73. 

1868 — Supervisor, Archibald McKillop; clerk, John Appleman ; 
treasurer, Henry Seaman. Number of votes, 91. 

1869 — Supervisor, Archibald McKillop; clerk, John Appleman; 
treasurer, Henry Seaman. 

1870 — Supervisor, Peter Stiver; clerk, John Appleman; treas- 
urer, Henry Seaman. 

1871 — Supervisor, Peter Stiver; clerk, John Appleman; treas- 
urer, Henry Seaman. 

1872 — Supervisor, Peter Stiver; clerk, John Appleman; treas- 
urer, Henry Seaman. 

1873 — Supervisor, Peter Stiver; clerk, John Appleman; treas- 
urer, Henry Seaman. 

1874 — Supervisor, Peter Stiver; clerk, Sanford Bradshaw; 
treasurer, Henry Seaman. 

1875 — Supervisor, Peter Stiver; clerk, Sanford Bradshaw; 
treasurer, Henry Seaman. 



1876 — Supervisor, Peter Stiver; clerk, Sanford Bradshaw; 
treasurer, Henry Seaman. 

1877 — Supervisor, Peter Stiver; clerk, Sanford Bradshaw; 
treasurer, Henry Seaman. 

1878— Supervisor, Peter Stiver; clerk, Sanford Bradshaw; 
treasurer, Harrison Bradshaw. 

1879 — Supervisor, Henry Seaman; clerk, Sanford Bradshaw; 
treasurer, Harrison Bradshaw. 

1880— No record. 

1881 — Supervisor, Peter Stiver; clerk, Nathan Stover; treas- 
urer, William Eveland. 

1882 — Supervisor, Emory E. Owen; clerk, Nathan Stover; 
treasurer, John Spencer. 

1883— Supervisor, Emory E. Owen; clerk, Nathan Stover; 
treasurer, Peter Stiver. 

THE FIRE OF 1881. 

Burlington was visited by the fire of September, 1881, and a 
list of the property destroyed was made at the time as follows : 

Ed. Harp, barn, fences; D. M. Taylor, barn, contents and six 
hogs; Thomas Bass, barn, feed, buggy, wagon, household goods, 
etc.; E. M. Kunsman, house, barn and nearly all their contents; 
George McKillop, one mile of fence; Nelson Whiting lost all his 
feed and two hogs; W. Lyman, barn and contents; W. Winters, 
barn and contents; Al. Palmer, house and part of his goods; the 
old Buckley mill, with new machinery, belonging to W. McKey — 
loss not estimated; Isborn Spencer, house; J. Keniff, house and 
barn; George Doughsh, barn; Hungton, barn; W. Harger, grain. 



BIOGEAPHICAL. 

Archibald McKillop. There are always a few^ citizens who are 
more conspicuous in the community in which they live than others. 
It is the few who mold public opinion, who build our churches, en- 
courage our schools and give tone to any and all improvements. 
Such in his life was Mr. McKillop. Born in Scotland in 1812, he 
was reared imder those strict religious influences which are sure 
to remain with the possessor as long as life remains. While yet a 
young man, in 1835, he left his native home and settled in Canada, 
w^iere he remained in different localities till 1856, when he made 
Burlington, Lapeer County, Mich., his home, settling on section 21, 
being the owner of 240 acres of good land. His influence for good 
was early recognized by his neighbors. In 1857 he was instru- 
mental, assisted by a Mr. Coons, agent of the Sunday-school Union, 
in forming a class which met at his house, and of which he was 
superintendent till his death. His influence waB very soon felt 
throughout the township, for in 1860 he was made supervisor, which 
office he filled for ten consecutive years. He also held other town- 
ship offices. Township clerk and supervisor till his death which 
occurred November, 1870. He was married in 1840 to Miss Isa- 
belle Bannerman, who was born in Kent County, Ont., in 1818, 
and now lives with her son Wilham on the old homestead. Their 
family consists of nine children, nearly all of whom now live in 
Burlington Township. Their oldest, Catherine, was born in 1842, 
married David Finkle, in 1860, and died in 1867. Anna, born in 
18^4, married Marshal Hilliker. Joanna, born in 1846, and who 
has been twice married, first, T. J. Coverdale, and after his de^th to 
H. S. Castle. A. B. McKillop, born in 1848. William, born 1851. 
Alexander, born in 1853. Daniel, 1856. Isabelle, 1858. Mary, 
born in 1861, married in 1882 Horatio Butler. 

A. B. McKillop was born in Kent County, Ont., in 1848; mar- 
ried in 1876 Aseneth Gibbs, who was born in Oakland County, 
Mich., in 1849, and has two children — Winford and David. 

William was married in 1877 to Viola Eouch, who was born 






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HISTOEY GF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



201 



in Pennsylvania in 1855, by whom hebas two children, Ethel Belle, 
born in 1878; Lloyd, born in 1880. 

Eev. Henry Seaman was born in Norfolk* County, England, in 
1827, moved to Lincolnshire in 1837, and in 1851 settled in Ashta- 
bula County, Ohio, where he remained three years, when he made 
Burlington, Lapeer County, Mich., his home, locating on section 15, 
where he now resides. Besides being a farmer he has been engaged 
in the ministry for years, also has been largely identified in town- 
ship affairs, having been its supervisor, treasurer for ten years, just- 
ice, and is the present school inspector. Married in 1852 Susannah 
Bayston, who w^as born in Lincolnshire, England, m 1829. Six 
children — George E., born in 1853; Priscilla Wilson, 1854; Han- 
nah, born in 1856 and died in 1862; EHzabeth E., horn 1857 and 
died in 1862; WiUiam H., 1861; Susan A., 1864. 

George E. was married in 1879 fco Elizabeth B. Simon, who 
was born in Almont Township, Lapeer County, in 1857. They re- 
side at North Branch, engaged in tlie mercantile business. 

Jonathan Spencer was born in Dutchess County, N.Y., in 
1809. In connection with his father's family settled in Ontario in 
1822, where he remained till 1855 when he made Burlington, 
Lapeer County, Mich., his home, locating on section 33, where he 
now resides surrounded by several members of his family, for he 
located 640 acres of land. Mr. Spencer has been twice married, 
first in 1834, toLydia Griffin, who was born near Buffalo, N. Y., 
m 1814, and died 1854, by whom he had eleven children, Edwin, 
born 1^35, died 1838; John, born 1837; William H., 1839; Harri- 
son, born ls41, enlisted in 1861, and was drowned at Columbiaville, 
1865; Ransom, born in 1843; Charles, 1845; Edgar, 1^47; Ann 
Eliza, 184S; Howard, 1850; Seth G., 1852; Lydia, 1854, and died 
1867. Second marriage in 1855 to Mis. Catherine Hunt, whose 
maiden name was Ferguson, who was born in Scotland in 1828, 
by whom he had five children, Jennette, born 1856; Alonzo, 1858; 
Sylvester, 1860; Jonathan, 1862; Ella, 1866. Charles was married 
m 1878 to Miss Pamelia P. Smith, who was born in Ontario in 
1856, three children. Lulu V.; Horace H.; Carl H. 

Peter Stiver. Perhaps there is not now living a man in 
Burlington who has done more for the well being of his township 
than the subject of this sketch. He was born in York County, 
Ont., in 1823, moved to Oxford County in 1843, remained till 1859 
when he settled in Dryden Township, Lapeer County. In 1860 he 
located on section 11, Burlington, but now lives on section 16. 
Has been supervisor of his township eleven years, justice of the 
peace fourteen years, and is at present tow^iship treasurer, also a 
notary public. Married in December, 1847, to Elizabeth Casler, 
who was born in Toronto Township, Ontario, in January, 1831, 
by whom he has eight children, Mary M., born September, 1853, 
married April, 1874, to Henry Hathaway; Ellen E., born in 1856, 
and married in 1879 to P. J. Wilson; Cyrus H., born December, 
1858, and died September 10, 1862; Peter L., born August, 1862, 
and lives at home; Charles W., born August, 1865; Susan J., born 
June, 1868; Eva A., September, 1870; Bertie M., born in 1873. 
His father, Henry, was born in Germany, in 1781, and died in 
1861. His mother, Nancy Wagoner, born in Germany, in 1784, 
and died in 1827. 

Charles Dayton was born in Oxford County, Ont., 1829, 
settled in Dryden Township, Lapeer County in 1855, and in 1871 
on section 33, Burlington, where he now resides, having a farm of 
215 acres. He married in 1853 Miss Susan Casler, who was 
born in Toronto in 1836. Nine children, Nancy Hunt, Roxie 
Wilson, Reuben C, Mary McKillop, John R., Frank, Fred, Wil- 
lard, Charles; also lost one by death, Archie, who died in 1880, at 
two years of age. 

Mrs. Fanny Jane Smith, whose maiden name was Williams, 



was born in Prince Edward County, Ont., in 1829, married in 
1845 Mr. J. P. Smith, who was born in Ontario, February 28, 1819, 
and died July 17, 1881, having settled in Burhngton as early as 
1856. They had eleven children, Hiram, born 1849; Malzany, 1851, 
and died 1868; Ithamer, 1853;Kenyon, 1855; Sarah L., 1857; John 
P., 1860; Nancy Ann, 1863; Charles M., 1865; Dennis, 1867; Henry, 
1870; Almeida Eliza, 1872. 

Jonathan D. Kennedy was born in Oxford County, Ont., in 
1827. Settled in Burlington Township, Lapeer County, in 1854, 
in section 31. Was township treasurer for several years, and died 
October 30, 1863. He was married in 1848 to Hannah Maria 
Case, who was born in Utica, N. Y., in 1827, by whom he had five 
children: Esther Ann, born in 1849, was married to Charles E. 
Barnes; Lorenzo D., born in 1852, who married in 1874 Maliala 
Johnson, who was born in St. Clair County, Mich., in 1853, and 
T,ho has one child, Lodica; Elizabeth Jane, born in 1855, and 
married in 1878, to Henry Watson; Jonathan W., born 1861; 
Letitia Louisa, born in 1863. 

Angus McKillop was born in Scotland in 1810, settled in 
Canada in 1835, and in Burlington, Lapeer County, in 1862, and 
died in 1872. In 1847 he was married to Ann McGilvery, who 
was born in Scotland in 1823. Their family consists of eight 
children: Archibald A., born in 1848, married in 1877 to Margaret 
Ann McCurdy; Angus, born in 1849, married in 1879 to Mary E. 
Dayton, born in 1862; Catherine, born in 1852, and died in 1862; 
Alexander C, bom in 1854, married m 1879 to Martha Fulford, 
born in 1859; Annie, born in 18^6, married in 1876 to G. M. 
Sicklesteel; Flora, 1858; Dougal C, 1860; Daniel, 1863, and died in 
infancy. 

William B. Edwakds was born in Sussex, England, in 1829. 
Settled in York County, Ont., in 1838, and in Burlington, Lapeer 
County in 1856, and lives on section 20. Married the same year 
to Euth Spencer who was born in Norwich, Ontario, in 1835. 
They were the first couple married in the township, and she the 
first school teacher. Their famih consists of five children, William 
Elgin, born 1860; James E., born April 6, 1862, and died May 3, 
1863; Eva Louisa, born 1864, married in 1880 to Ernest Willey, 
and lives in Marathon; Albertie, born 1867; Jessie, 1873. Her 
father, Edmond Spencer, was born in the State of New York in 
1804. Settled in Canada in 1821, and in Burlington in 1854, and 
died in 1862, having married in 1826 Elizabeth Flewellin, who 
was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., in 1805, and still lives in 
Burlington . 

Amos Bradshaw was born in Hastings County, Ont., in 1843. 
Settled with his father's family in Lapeer County and Township in 
1856, moved to North Branch in 1858, now lives on section 17, 
Burlington Township. In 1872 he married Sarah Middaugh, who 
was born in Elgin County, Ont., in 1855, by whom he has two 
children, Maud, born 1874; Jessie, 1880. His father, Sheldon H. 
Bradshaw, was born in Prince Edward County, Ont., 1808, and 
died in 1859. He married in 1835 Amelia Thresher, who was born 
in Victoria District, Ont., in 1817, and now lives with her son 
Amos. This family consists of Sandford, born 1838; Harrison, 1840; 
Amos, the subject of this sketch; Martha, born 1845, married 1879 
to James Bid well; and George, born July 14, 1847, and died 
September 13, 1849. 

William Harp was born in Oxford County, Ontario, 1844. 
Settled in Burlington in 1861, on section 7, where he now lives. 
Married in 1871 to Mary Jane Gibbard, who was born in New York 
State in 1854. Their family consists of David, born 1872; Jennie, 
1875; John 1878. His father, Henry Harp, was born in Nova 
Scotia in 1811. Married in 1831 Clementine Campbell, who was 
born in Nova Scotia in 1811, and has a family. of seven children. 



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HISTOKY OF LA.PEEK COUNTY, 



James Mitchell was born in Elgin County, Ont., in 1835. In 
1859 he made Burlington, Lapeer County, his home, settling on 
section 6, where he now lives owning a farm of 240 acres. Mar- 
ried in 1859 Jane Jeffery, who was born in Trafalgar, Ontario, in 
1835. Have had five children: Charles, born 1860, and died in 
1862; James F., born 1863; Eobert S., 1866; David J., 1868; • 
George S. 1873. His grandfather, Eobeit, was born in Ireland, 
and settled in Ontario about the year 1824, and had a family of 
eight children. His father, Eobert, was born in 1810. Married in 
1828 to Betsy Eashck, who was born in 1812, and has a family of 
eleven children. 

Daniel McKillop was born in the Island of Arend, Scotland, 
in 1817. Settled in Canada in 1829, and in 1856 made Burlington 
his home, settling in section 18, where he died in 1867. He mar- 
ried in 1846 Marian McKelvie, who was born in Scotland in 1826, 
and lives on the old homestead. Their family consists of Archibald 
D., who was born in 1849, married in 1875 Eliza Jane Markle, born 
in 1853, and who have three children: Peter, born 1878; Eobert G., 
1880; Frank 0., 1881 ; Catherine, born in 1851, married in 1872to Jo- 
seph Annett; Duncan, born 1854, and died 1862; Mary E., born 1856, 
married in 1878 to Samuel Eutledge; George W., born 1859; Dun- 
can A., 1862; Daniel A., 1865, and died in infancy. 

D. M. Taylor was born in Yates County, N. Y., 1823. Settled 
in Lapeer Township in 1838, and in Burlington on section 18, in 
1856. He carried the mail from Lapeer to Detroit for two years, 
and has been a justice of the peace for sixteen years. Married in 
1847 to Ehzabeth H. Damon, who was born in Oxford, England, 
1825. Eight children: Wallace, born 1848; Eugene, born 1849, 
and died 1873; Lucinda E., born 1851, married in 1870 to James 
Kennedy; BruchH., 1853; L. Augustus, 1854; Caleb W., 1857; Ida 
M., 1861, married in 1879 to Peter Hanks; John M., 1865. 

Christopher Middaugh was born in Ulster County, N. Y., in 
1814. Settled in Elgin County, Ontario, in 1822, and Burlington, 
Lapeer County, Mich., in 1856, and now lives on section 10. Married 
in 1835 to Diadama House, born in the Niagara District, Ontario, 
in 1816. Seven children: Maria, born in 1837, and married in 1856 
to Jonathan Eychman; Cynthia A., born 1840, married in 1860 to 
Edgar Brazie; Ehzabeth, born in 1843, married in 1860 to Ardian 
Lyman ;Trudence, born in 1846, married in 1861 to Alson Congdon; 
Charles W., born in 1848; Sarah M., born in 1854, married in 1872 
to Daniel Mclnnis; John F., born in 1858, married 1881 to Cor- 
nelia Kinney, who was born in 1863. 

William C. Smith was born in Canada in 1838. Settled in 
Burlington on section 28, in 1858. Married in 1869 to Margaret 
Scrimminger, who was born in Canada in 1842. Four children, 
Wilham, Alexander, Eosa BeUe, David. 

L. H. M. Comstock was born in Durham County, Ontario, in 
1845; in connection with his father's family moved to Wisconsin in 
1847, returned to Ontario in 1853, from thence in 1863 to Saginaw, 
Michigan, and in 1867 settled at North Branch, Lapeer County, 
Mich., and engaged in the hardware business. He now lives on 
section 30, Burlington Township, farming 320 acres, also engaged 
in lumbering. Married in 1871 to Sabra A. Newstead, who was 
born in Oxford County, Ontario, in 1852. One child, L. H. A., born 
" in 1876. 

A. W. Lyman was born in Leeds County, Ontario, in 1831. 
Settled in Burlington, Lapeer County, Mich., in March, 1857, and 
at present resides at Clifford, doing a mercantile business in con- 
nection with a saw-milL Married in 1851 Carohne Phelps, who 
was bom in Leeds County, Ontario, in 1829. Their family con- 
sists of Seldon, George L., Eodney, Money, Luther, Cora. His 
father, Horace, was born in 1803, and is still hving in Burlington. 
His grandfather, Benjamin, was born in 1761. Was a Eevolution- 



ary soldier and died in 1846. His great grandfather, Benjamin, 
was born in 1729 and died in 1799, being of the fifth generation 
from his grand ancestor Eichard, who landed in Massachusetts in 
1631. 

D. H. F. MuRNiHAN was born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1837. 
Moved to Cincinnati in infancy. Eeceived his education at Wood- 
ward College, Ohio. Went to California in 1850, and in all made 
four trips across the plains from St. Louis. In 1861 enlisted in 
the Mechanics and Engineers Corps. Served a year and a half and 
now lives at Clifford, in the mercantile business. Married in 1858 
Lydia M. Allen, who was born in Ypsilanti, Mich., 1839. Has four 
living children, Anna T., Allen C, Berenice, Dot. 

Ande Pearson, born in Glenville County, Ontario, 1818. Set- 
tled in Hastings County in 1849, and in Burlington Township in 
1856, locating on sections 3 and 4, which form the present village 
site of North Clifford. Married in 1842 Jane Ann Bellamy, who 
was born at North Augusta, Onl^rio, in 1825. Their family con- 
sists of Hiram B., born in 1845; Herbert A., 1848; Mary J. and 
Sarah E. (twins) born in 1858. Mary J. married N. Stover in 
1877; Sarah E. married William Spencer in 1883. Martha, born 
in 1860, married F. Bentley in 1880. 

C. G. Case was born in Oxford County, Ontario, in 1840. 
Settled in Burlington Township in 1863 on section 29, where he 
still owns his farm, but at present is engaged ip the hotel business 
at Clifford. Married in 1860 Emily Spencer, who was born in Ox- 
ford Comity, Ontario, in 1843. Four children: Eunice A. Mc- 
Laughlin, Esther Buel, C. G., Albert D. Lost two, Charles A., 
born 1862, died 1873; Hays, born 1876, died at six months of age. 

William Bentley was born in Monroe County, N. Y., March 
27, 1825. Settled in Burlington Township, Lapeer County, Mich., 
in 1856, locating some 400 acres of land. As early as 1858 he had 
a cooper shop at his residence on section 22, and subsequently 
owned and operated a saw-mill, which was destroyed by fire during 
his absence, while attending the Centennial Exhibition in 1876, in 
which lie sustained a loss of over $10,000. He also owned and 
improved several farms in Burlington, building no less than seven 
large barns. He died April" 10, 18^3. In his locality Mr. 
Bentley was\egarded as a business man of the most strict integrity 
and his presence is very much missed by all. 

He married in 1857, Ellen E. Ney, who was born in Oregon 
Township, Lapeer County, in 1841.. One adopted daughter, Blanche, 
born in 1863, and adopted in infancy. 

Of his ancestry nothing can be learned. Mrs. Bentley's father, 
Edwafd Ney, was born near Hartford, Conn., in 1816. Settled in 
Oregon Township, Lapeer County, in 1840. Her mother, Eebecca 
Eobinson, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1818. Settled in 
Lapeer County in 1839. They were married in 1840, and lived in 
Lapeer County till 1880, when they moved to Isabella County, 
where they now reside. Their family consists of Ellen E. Bentley; 
Tacy D. Halsey, who lives in Oregon Township; Sarah E. Bough- 
ner, who lives in Isabella County; Edward E., who lives in Mack- 
inaw County; Cynthia S. Jackson, who lives in Gratiot County; 
Will H., who lives in Isabella County; George, unmarried and Hves 
at home. 



TOWN OF ARCADIA. 

Arcadia lies nearly in the center of Lapeer County. On the 
north is the town of North Branch, Attica on the south, Goodland 
on the east and Mayfield on the west. Scattered over its surface 
are numerous bodies of water, at least twenty-three of which are 
large enough to be dignified with the name of lake or pond. In 



^ a 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



203 



these head various tributaries of Flint Eiver and Mill Creek, the 
former flowing to the westward and into the ISaginaw Eivet; the 
latter to the eastward into Black Eiver, this town with Attica and 
Dryden being on the divide between the waters of the East and 
the West. The soil of the eastern and western part of the town is 
a clay loam; between these two portions is generally a sandy loam. 
The town was originally covered with a heavy growth of the best 
quality of pine, bodies of which were found on every section. This 
has now been all cut off, a portion being manufactured into lumber 
at the saw-mills in the town and at Fish Lake and Five Lakes, but 
the main body of it driven out by Flint Eiver and Mill Creek. This 
product of the soil, so valuable to commerce and the lumbermen, 
has yet been the means of delaying the advent of the actual settler 
and the agricultural development of the town. The land was 
bought for its pine, and in large tracts, of the government, and 
necessarily withheld from settlement until the pine should be re- 
moved, its value and price placing it beyond the reach of those who 
sought only a home and to cultivate the soil. Only lately has this 
barrier been removed. The pine timber having been exhausted 
the owners have sought and are finding purchasers of the soil. 

The development of Arcadia in population and agriculture to 
1874, is shown by the following statistics from the census of that 
year: Population, 621; number of acres of taxable land, 23,000; of 
improved land, 1,918; number of sheep, 551; of horses, 103; of 
cows, 152; bushels of wheat raised the preceding year, 3,862; of 
corn, 6,500; of other grains, 5,475; of apples, 2,388; of potatoes, 
3,302; of tons of hay, 515; of pounds of wool sheared, 2,065; of 
pounds of pork marketed, 35,580; of butter made, 15,900. 

In 1880 the population of the town was 1,043. 

The aggregate valuation of real and personal property as equal- 
ized by the board of supervisors in 1882, was $324,000. 



ENTEIES OF LAND. 

The following are the entries of land to 1861. 

T0WNSm^8 NOETH, RANGE 11 EAST. 

Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 11, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 11, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 11, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 

Isaac N. Jenness, April 22, 1853. 

Martin Cohnan, February 28, 1853, 

James Stanton, September 7, 1854. 

Lucius Lyon, May 11, 1836. 

John Groover, November 7, 1850. 

Francis Euby, August 12, 1852. 

Eber B. Ward, October 11, 1853. 

Eber B. Ward, January 10, 1854. 

Lucius Lyon, May 11, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 

Charles Eich and Gasca Eich, May 16, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 11, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 11, 1836. 



Section 


1 


Section 


2 


Section 


3 


Section 


4 


Section 


5 


Section 


6 


Section 


7 


Section 


8 


Section 


9 


Section 


10 


Section 


11 


Section 


12 


Section 


13 


Section 


14 


Section 


15 



Section 16. 

Section 17. 
Section 18. 
Section 19. 

Section 20. 
Section 21. 



Section 22. 



Section 23. 



Section 24. 



Section 25. 



Section 26. 



Section 27. 
Section 28. 
Section 29. 
Section 30. 



Section 31. 



Section 32. 



Section 33. 
Section 34. 
Section 35. 



Lucius Lyon, May 11, 1836. 

William Patrick, May 22, 1850. 

Wilham Shotwell, November 19, 1850. 

Byron Moses, Septembei 9, 1850. 

Alvah June, March 5, 1853. 

Isaac N. Jenness, April 22, 1853. 

Samuel Carpenter, Jr., September 28, 1853. 

Francis Euby, November 28, 1854. 

Wilham Shotwell, November 29, 1854. 

Alvah June, December 4, 1854. 

Lucius Lyon, June 30, 1836. 

Elihu T. Eice, November 27, 1851. 

Cyrus Humphrey, June 7, 1852. 

Ehsha Fornan, July 27, 1852. 

Isaac N. Jenness, April 22, 1853. 

Samuel Carpenter, Jr., September 15, 1853. 

William C. Matthews, October 26, 1858. 

George Frink, July 5, 1851. 

James Baldwin, December 1, 1851. 

George S. Osborne, May 17, 1852. 

Lafayette W. Giddings, June 8, 1852. 

Samuel Carpenter, Jr., September 28, 1853. 

James B. Woodward, December 4, 1854. 

Zeburs June, December 10, 1856. 

John Groover, December' 10, 1856. 

Alexander Livingston, December 7, 1850. 

Jonathan Kindall, April 21, 1851. 

Samuel Carpenter, Jr., September 15, 1853. 

James E. June, December 4, 1854. 

George M. Eutherford, July 1, 1858. 

Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 

Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 

Clark C. Boutw^ell and Benjamin J. Boutwell, May 

13, 1836. 
Thomas Haskill, March 1, 1842. 
Major H. Haskill, March 1, 1842. 
Isaac D. Coon, October 18, 1848. 
Lucius M. Lyon, November 20, 1848. 
Isaac Vorheis, March 1, 1850. 
Barnibus Terry, November 16, 1850. 
Isaac D. Coon, November 25, 1850. 
Joseph Wager, August 6, 1852. 
Charles and Gasca Eich, May 16, 1836. 
Almon B. Pratt, February 17, 1838. 
Elbridge G. Deming, November 28, 1839. 
Joseph B. Hart, August 18, 1840. 
Jerome Davis, August 24, 1849. 
James Goodrich, July 5, 1852. 
Lucius Lyon, July 15, 1836. 
Horace C. Weston, April 27, 1847. 
Ealph Gates, October 26, 1849. 
WiUiam W. Bachelor, October 20, 1852. 
Joshua Terry, 2d., December 7, 1853. 
Albion Whitney, November 28, 1854. 
Peter Grosbeck, November 28, 1854. 
John A. Battays, June 20, 1849. 
Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 
Lucius Lyon, May 28, 1836. 
Nicholas Gass, Jr., June 11, 1836. 
Peter Hagner, June 15, 1836. 
Ebenezer Gould, June 21, 1836. 
Lucius Lyon, July 15, 1836. 



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204 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



Section 35. Samuel Carpenter, Jr., September 15, 1853. 
Section 36. Nicholas Gass, Jr., June 11, 1836. 

M. Healeyand B. B. Kercheval, June 15, 1836. 

John Barber, February 27, 1845. 

John Barber, August 21, 1845. 

William W. Barber, January 12, 1852. 

Asael Whitcomb, August 23, 1853. 

John M. Vincent, December 3, 1853. 



EAELY HISTOEY. 

For reasons heretofore given, viz., the purchase of the land 
of the government for speculative |)urposes, very few of the actual 
settlers of the town made entries of government land. The first 
settler, so far as can be learned, was Thomas Haskell, who, in 
1839, settled on section 31, where for several years he kept a hotel. 
He died in Arcadia. In 1847 came Peter Grosbeck, who also set- 
tled on section 32 and died here. His family still reside in the 
town. In 1848 came Nicholas Gass and John B. Wilson, the for- 
mer in section 36 and the latter in section 31. 

J. B. Wilson was born in Greenfield, Erie County, Pa., Octo- 
ber 21, 1822, and came with his parents to Detroit in 1824. On 
the death of his father in 1831 he returned with his mother to her 
former home in Vermont. In 1847 he came to Lapeer and in 1848 
removed to the township of Arcadia and located on section 31, 
where he has since resided. Since coming to the county he has 
been engaged in lumbering and farming and built the first saw-mill 
erected in the township. He has done an extensive business, own- 
ing at one time fourteen hundred acres of land in the county, be- 
sides large tracts in other sections of the State. Has been super- 
visor of Arcadia eleven years, justice of the peace sixteen years, and 
from 1860 to 1864 was a member of the State legislature. In 1859 
was one of the commissioners appointed by Governor Wimer to lo- 
cate the State road from Lexington to Lapeer and in the discharge 
of his duties was obliged to camp out and lie on the ground thirty 
nights during the month of March. His farm buildings are com- 
modious and his grain barn, which is 50x100 feet on the ground, 
standing on a wall ten feet in height, ranks as one of the best in the 
county. He was married in 1845 to Miss Clara Eich, a native of 
Shoreham, Vt., who was born Nov. 5, 1824. Their children were 
John D., born July 18, 1846, died October 26, 1867; Affia J., born 
Dec. 8, 1852; Charles H., born April 30, 1857; Clara, bom April 
4, 1860; Mary E., born January 19, 1862; Julia B., born Aug. 5, 
1864, and was killed by the kick of a horse Dec. 9, 1869. 

Nicholas Gass, deceased, was born in Greene County, N. Y., in 
July, 1800, and first purchased land in the township of Arcadia in 
1836. He moved upon the land in 1848 and resided there until his 
death, w^hich occurred in 1855. He was county surveyor during 
the greater part of his residence in the county and laid out the vil- 
lage of North Branch and made a survey of the plank road from 
Lapeer to Port Huron. His books show that his first work as a 
surveyor was done April 21, 1849, and his last just prior to his 
death, Sept. 20, 1855. He died in Macomb County and is buried in 
Brooklyn. He was married January 28, 1836, to Miss Almira 
Whitcomb, of New York, who resided in the vicinity of the Cats- 
kill Mountains. She stiU survives him and resides upon the orig- 
inal homestead in Arcadia. Of four children born to them none 
are now living, except Mrs. Eood, of the township of Lapeer. Eo- 
main M. Gass, the youngest son, always resided on the homestead 
and married Miss Mary St. Thomas, of Cynthiana, Harrison 
County, Ky., Oct. 27, 1869. He died April 16, 1878. His widow 
and two sons still survive him and remain in his former home. 
William Lee Gass, eldest son, died Aug. 26, 1872. His home was 



on section 36, and he married Miss Annie M. St. Thomas, also of 
Cynthiana, Ky. They also had two sons. She is again married 
and is now a resident of Dakota. 

In 1850 came William ShotweU, settling on the southeast 
quarter of section 22, Munson Pendleton on section 19, William 
Eastman on section 23, and Joseph Wager, first township treas- 
urer, on section 30. 

It will be seen that settlement of the town began in the south- 
west and southeast parts of the town, to which it has been mostly 
confined until recently. Settlers in the southeast came in by the 
State road by way of Almont ; and in the southwest by way of La- 
peer. 

During the administration of President Buchanan, a postoffice 
was established in section 30, M. K. Haskell being appointed post- 
master. It was, however, subsequently discontinued. 

The first school-house in the town was a frame building, built 
in 1850, the lumber being furnished by Wilson's water-mill. The 
contract was let to John Sands and Stephen Warren. The cost 
was $115. It is still standing, weather-beaten and showing signs 
of age and long service, but still serviceable and in use. It is lo- 
cated on the town line in the southwest quarter of section 31. 

The first child born in the town was Elizabeth, daughter of 
M. K. Haskell, about 1842. 

There is no church building in Arcadia, but classes of the 
Methodist Protestant Church have been formed and services are 
held at the DeGroat school-house in section 22, and at the Hask- 
ell school-house. 

There is neither lawyer nor physician in the town. 

In the summer of 1883 a postoffice was established in section 
36, being moved from the neighboring town of Attica. Mrs. E. M. 
Gass is postmistress. 

The town -house of Arcadia was originally built for a school- 
house and was bought by the town in 1879 for general town pur- 
poses. It is located in section 22. 

The healthfulness of the town is shown by the fact that no town 
in the United States has a lower death rate. 

Besides a productive soil, Arcadia possesses undoubted mineral 
wealth in beds of marl which appears here and there. It is said 
also to have beds of what appears to be kaolin or porcelain clay 
which in digging wells are frequently penetrated. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of Arcadia for the 
vear 1882 shows the number of school-houses to have been seven; 
total number of school children, 351. The school inspectors for the 
ensuing year as follows : Solon W. Bentley, George Winslow, Solo- 
mon Edwards, Moses M. Trenamen, Samuel Bearinger, John P. 
Eyan, Charles D. Hough. 

The Eed Eibbon movement in 1877 reached Arcadia, and in 
December the Arcadia Eeform Club was organized with the follow- 
ing officers: President, W. A. McKinley; secretary, Mrs. S. C. 
King; treasurer, W. Stockham. 

Early in 1877 a man by the name of Davis came from Canada 
and commenced preaching the Mormon doctrine in Arcadia and 
Goodland. He claimed to be a prophet sent from God, invested 
with miraculous power, able and willing to heal the sick, etc. The 
skeptical and curious went to hear him. In the spring he went 
back to Canada, but returned the following fall, bringing with him 
another prophet, named Cornish. They made an aggressive war- 
fare, and for a time awakened some interest, but it was temporary 
and soon became a thing of the past. 

The first town meeting was held at the house of William Shot- 
well in section 22, April 6, 1857. Of the large number of voters 
for a first town meeting, J. B. Wilson's mill furnished fourteen. 
Prior to this the township had been organized with Lapeer. 



t) >y ^ 



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HISTOEY OE LAPEEE COUNTY 



205 



r 



At this first election the whole number of votes for supervisor 
was forty and they were given for the following named persons, viz : 
John B. Wilson received sixteen, WiUiam Barber, six, and WiUiam 
Barbour, eighteen. John B. Wilson declared elected. 

For clerk, William W. Barber received nineteen votes and 
Samuel Fitch, eighteen; William W. Barber was declared elected. 

For treasurer, Wilham W. Wilson received nineteen votes and 
Joseph Wager, twenty-one. Joseph Wager was declared elected. 

For justices of the peace, John B. Wilson received twenty-one 
votes, James H. Abbott, twenty-two. James Stanton, twenty-four, 
EHsha C. Pendleton, sixteen, Samuel Perkins, twenty- four and Don 
A. C. Hungerford, nineteen ; JohnB. Wilson, James Abbott, Samuel 
Perkins and James Stanton were declared elected. 

For commissioners of highways, James Abbott received twenty - 
seven votes, Samuel Fitch, twenty-one, A. H. Jones, thirteen, M. R. 
Haskell, nineteen, James Charles eleven, and Zebard June, twenty- 
one ; Samuel Fitch, James H. Abbott and Zebard June were declared 
elected. 

For school inspectors, WiUiam W. Wilson received forty votes, 
Ehsha C. Pendleton, twenty and James H. Abbott, sixteen; WiUiam 
W. Wilson and EHsha C. Pendleton were declared elected. 

For overseers of the poor, Samuel Fitch received twenty-one 
votes, William H. McDade, nineteen, James June, nineteen, James 

received three and WiUiam ShotweU, one ; Samuel Fitch and 

James June were declared elected. 

For constables WUliam H. McDade, Alexander Steward, James 
B. Woodward and Aaron Hunt received each twenty-one votes and 
were declared elected. 

It was voted to raise one hundred dollars for town expenses ; 
that the town pay four doUars bounty on each and every wolf caught 
and kiUed in the town. WUUam ShotweU and Samuel Fitch were 
appointed a committee to select a suitable lot for a burying ground. 
At a regular meeting of the board of school inspectors at the 
office of the town clerk. May 16, 1857, Lydia Jane Garvey received 
a certificate to teach a primary school. And on the 25th of May a 
beginning was made of the town library by the purchase of thirty- 
two volumes of a miscellaneous character the list beginning with 
Josephus, 1 vol. 



TOWN OFFICERS. 

1857 — Supervisor, John B. Wilson; clerk, WiUiam W. Barber; 
treasurer, Joseph Wager. Number of votes, 40. 

1858 — Supervisor, John B. Wilson; clerk, WiUiam W. Barber; 
treasurer, Joseph Wager. Number of votes, 32. 

1859 — Supervisor, WiUiam W. Barber; clerk, Samuel Fitch; 
treasurer, WiUiam W. WUson. Number of votes, 43. 

I860— No record. 

1861 — Supervisor, Joseph Wager; clerk, Abner C. Folsom; 
treasurer, William W. WUson. Number of votes, 46. 

1862— Supervisor, WiUiam W. WUson; clerk, WUUam W. 
Barber; treasurer, Samuel Fitch. Number of votes, 54. 

1863 — Supervisor, Joseph Wager; clerk, Abner C. Folsom; 
treasurer, James H. Abbott. Number of votes, 45. 

. 1864 — Supervisor, WiUiam Y. Mead; clerk, Lorenzo D. Bur- 
ton; treasurer, James H. Abbott. Number of votes, 51. 

1865— No record. 

1866 — Supervisor, John B. WUson; clerk, Samuel Fitch; treas- 
urer, William N. Batchelder. Number of votes, 65. 

1867 — Supervisor, John B. Wilson; clerk, Samuel Fitch; treas- 
urer, Samuel Bevens. Number of votes, 74. 

1868— Supervisor, John B. WUson; clerk, Samuel Fitch; treas- 
urer, Samuel Bevens. Number of votes, 80. 



1869 — Supervisor, WiUiam Y. Mead; clerk, Orson Gould; 
treasurer, David IngersoU. Number of votes, 58. 

1870 — Supervisor, William Y. Mead; clerk, Orson Gould; 
treasurer, Pierce N. Rood. 

1871 — Supervisor, WiUiam Y. Mead; clerk, Samuel Fitch; 
treasurer, Walter S. Lyons. 

1872 —Supervisor, Truman H. Rice; clerk, Samuel Bevens; 
treasurer, Lewis Mitchell. 

1873 — Supervisor, Oscar M. Dodge; clerk, Harvey Goodrich; 
treasurer, Walter S. Lyons. 

1874 — Supervisor, Oscar M. Dodge; clerk, Horace D. Good- 
rich; treasurer, Walter S. Lyons. 

1875— Supervisor, Oscar M. Dodge; clerk, Horace D. Good- 
rich; treasurer, Walter S. Lyons. 

1876 — Supervisor, Oscar M. Dodge; clerk, Leonard S. Fitch; 
treasurer, Walter S. Lyons. 

1877 — Supervisor, Lewis Mitchell; clerk, Orson Gould; treas- 
urer, Samuel Bevens. 

1878— Supervisor, Oscar M. Dodge; clerk, Orson Gould; treas- 
urer, Samuel Bevens. 

1879 — Supervisor, Samuel Bevens; clerk, Orson Gould ; treas- 
urer, Lewis Mitchell. 

1880 — Supervisor, John B. Wilson; clerk, John P. Ryan; treas- 
urer, John Dyer. 

1881 — Supervisor, John B. Wilson; clerk, John P. Ryan; treas- 
urer, John Dyer. 

1882— No record. 

1883 — Supervisor, John P. Ryan; clerk, George M. Selleck; 
treasurer, Francis M. Haines. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

John P. Ryan was born in St. Clair County, Mich., February 
26, 1856, where he remained until 1860, when he moved with his 
parents to the township of Lapeer, Lapeer County, and resided 
there until 1879. He then purchased his present farm on section 
26, township of Arcadia, and has since made that his home. In 
1878 he married Miss Leve West, of Attica, Lapeer County. Mr. 
Ryan attended the St. Clair union school for a time, and subse- 
quently taught school for a number of terms in various places. 
Since his residence in the township has represented the voters in 
some official capacity; superintendent of schools in 1879, township 
clerk, 1880-'81-'82, and supervisor in 1883. 

Reuben Puedy is a native of Ontario, Canada, where he was 
born March 4, 1828. He remained in Ontario untU February, 1856, 
when he moved to Port Huron, Mich., and remained there until 
1871. In that year he came to Lapeer County and engaged with 
Jenness & Co. as engineer in their miU at Attica. He continued 
with them untU 1878, when he moved on his farm on section 33, 
where he has since resided. In 1852 married Miss EUzabeth 
Purdy, also a native of Canada, and has a family of seven chUdren. 

George M. Selleck was born in Macomb County, Mich., July 
15, 1845, and at six months of age came with his grandparents to 
Lapeer County and located in the township of Almont. His grand- 
father was James HiUs, the first settler of the township of Good- 
land. At nine years of age he removed to Goodland, remaining 
there about eighteen months, after which he lived in Dryden, gen- 
erally, untU 1865, when he enUsted in the Eighth Michigan Cavalry, 
and was with that organization fourteen months in Tennessee, Ala- 
bama and Mississippi. Returning from the army he again located in 
Dryden, but subsequently went to Bay City, and from 1874 to 1878 
was with Smith, BaUard & Co., in charge of their branch land 
plaster miU in West Bay City. He returned to Lapeer County in 



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206 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY, 



1878, and located on section 13, of Arcadia, where he has since re- 
sided. He is the present town clerk, having been elected at the 
spring election of 1883. Married Miss Emma C. Jones, of Bruce, 
Macomb County, Mich., October 25, 1871. 

FrankM. Haines, the subject of this sketch, was born in Greene 
County, N. Y., September 10, 1844, and when eight years of age 
came to Michigan with his parents, and located in the township of 
Addison, Oakland County, where he remained ten years, at the end 
of which time he removed at Macomb County, but soon thereafter 
returned to Oakland County, where he remained three years. Eeturn- 
ing again to Macomb County, he remained there until he came to 
Lapeer County, and settled on section 30 of the township of Good- 
land, at the same time purchasing land lying opposite in the town- 
ship of Arcadia, where he now resides. Mr. Haines is the present 
(1883) township treasurer. He was married December 4, 1872, to 
Miss Lucy J. Nelson, of Macomb County, Michigan. 

Charles H. Spalding was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, July 
25, 1844, and resided there until 1852, when with his parents he 
moved to Holly, Oakland County, and remained there until seventeen 
years of age, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth 
New York, on November 22, 1861, and served three years and three 
months, participating in the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Lookout Mountain, Mission Eidge 
and Einggold, Georgia, where he was wounded, after which to the 
close of his service he was on detail work and not in active service. 
He returned to Holly, but subsequently removed to Portsmouth, 
Ohio, where he remained three years, then again returning to Holly. 
In 1875 he removed to Wayne, Michigan, where after a residence 
of two and one half years, he came to Lapeer County, and located 
on section 28, in the township of Arcadia, where he has since 
resided. He was married November 17, 1875, to Miss Eliza Jane 
Fagan, of the township of Holly, Oakland County, Michigan. 

Henry C. DeGroat is a native of Oxford County, Ontario, and 
was born in 1845. In 1860, he came to Arcadia with his parents, 
and located on section 26 , but two years later removed to his present 
location, his father purchasing the quarter section. In 1867 he 
commenced the purchase of the land and little by little has acquired 
the entire quarter section, and 40 acres besides lying opposite. He 
has made all the improvements now to be seen on his farm, and has 
152 acres now under cultivation. His surroundings indicate prosperity 
and home comfort. He married Miss C. E. Van Dyke, of Lapeer, 
Michigan. 

Eev. Lewis Mitchell was born in Ireland in 1820, and emi- 
grated to Canada in 1835, where he remained two years, when he 
came to Detroit, Michigan. For sixteen years he sailed on the lakes, 
also making several ocean voyages. He then located permanently 
in Detroit, and engaged in house-painting until 1853, when he 
entered the service of the Methodist Episcopal Church as a minister 
and member of the Detroit conference, and has been engaged in the 
work more or less up to the present time. In 1869 he located on 
section 26, township of Arcadia, and has a farm of 80 acres. He 
was married in 1856 to Miss Pamelia Johnson of Oakland County, 
Michigan, whose father was one of the first settlers there. They 
have five children, Liney C, James S., Jennie H., Fanny P., and 
Belle E. 

James A. Palmer was born in the township of Arcadia, Lapeer 
County, Michigan, August 28, 1858, and remained on his father's 
farm until the spring of 1880, when he purchased 80 acres of land 
on section 33, which he still owns. He is unmarried and makes 
his home with his father in Attica. 

MuNsoN Pendleton, deceased, was a native of Vermont and 
was born June 19, 1800. He came to Lapeer County in 1850 and 
settled on section 19, in the township of Arcadia, clearing up a farm 



of 80 acres which he managed until his death, which occurred April 
29, 1873. He was married March 23, 1828, to Miss Eleanor Justin, 
who was likewise a native of Vermont, and was born October 19, 
1802, and who died April 25, 1876. They had four children, Will- 
iam J., born September 22, 1829, enhsted 1861 in the Tenth Mich- 
igan Infantry, and died of disease near Corinth, Mississippi, July 
11, 1862; Elisha C, born August 9, 1831; Joseph S.,born April 30, 
1836, died January 24, 1865, and Betsey S., born March 19, 1839, 
died January 18, 1873. . . 

E. C. Pendleton was born in Whiting, Addison County, Vt., 
and came with his parents to Arcadia, Lapeer County, Michigan, in 
1850 and settled with them on section 19. He remained on his 
father's farm until 1858, when he removed to Almont where he 
engaged in farming for two years, thence to May field, remaining 
there two years, when he returned to the homestead in Arcadia where 
he has since resided. He has been engaged in farming and since 
1862 has been running a saw-mill. He owns a good farm of 80 
acres, has held the office of school inspector one yea^r, and is at 
present justice of the peace. He was married December 25, 1857, 
to Miss Eoxey D. Schenck, who was born in Almont, July 18, 1839. 
They have had eight children : Lewis H., who was born November 17, 
1858, and accidentally killed September 18, 1880, by being crushed 
by a load of logs; Bessie M., born September 4, 1861; Adella E., 
born September 8, 1865; Nina E., born February 20, 1866; Electa 
M., born April 12, 1868; Amos D., born November 5, 1871;Eldin E., 
born June 24, 1872, died December 8, 1872, and Tressie M., bom 
June 5, 1876. 



TOWN OF RICH. 

The town of Eich is one of the two most northern towns of 
Lapeer County, being bounded on the north and west by Tuscola 
County, on the east by the town of Burlington and on the south by 
Deerfield. It is described by the United States government survey 
as township 10 north, of range 10 east. 

The surface of the country is generally rolling, and the soil 
generally a clay and gravelly loam. There is also considerable flat 
and low land which only requires drainage, of which it is easily sus- 
ceptible, to become arable and valuable. The natural growth of 
the town is beech, maple, elm and ash, with hemlock and pine in- 
terspersed. 

The first settlement in the town was probably late in the year 
1854 or early in 1855, by Thurston Wells and Jacob Blue, on sec- 
tion 4, on the land now owned and occupied by John B. Mclntyre. 
Others of the early settlers were John B. Mclntyre, in December, 
1855; Albert L. Smith, Thomas Pearsall, James Miles, Seth D. 
and Eli Thayer, Peter Nacey, Lewis Seyforth, John E. Deming, 
Asa and Leighton Eichards, Archibald Dodge, Levi Stevens, Sim- 
eon Crawford. 

In these earliest days of the settlement there was no road nearer 
than the road or trail rather, cut in by Lorenzo Merrill, the first 
settler of Deerfield, Coming in from the direction of Marathon, 
the pioneer settlers worked their way laboriously along the west line 
of Deerfield and Eich, and thence struck into the north part of the 
latter town. 

The nearest market was in Marathon at the present village of 
Columbiaville. The nearest grist-mill was at Millville, until the 
Eichards Brothers started in the south part of the town. Asa and 
Leighton Eichards built their mill in 1856. 

The first birth in town was a daughter of Jacob Blue. She died 
in infancy, in 1855. No long line of carriages and hearse with nodding 
plumes formed their first funeral train in the wilderness. Mr. Mc- 






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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



207 



Intyre carried the little coffin on his shoulder from the house to the 
spot where is now the cemetery. 

During the winter of 1856 the first rehgious services were con- 
ducted at the house of J. B. Mclntyre, by Elder Burgess, an En- 
ghshman and of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The house was 
yet unfinished, having no. doors or windows in. There were but few 
perscms present; the following are recollected: Thurston Wells, 
Jacob Blue and wife, Albert L. Smith and wife, — Machse, J. B. 
Mclntyre. Soon after, viz., April 3, 1856, religious services were 
held at the log house of Simeon Crawford, on section 7. A Sunday- 
school w^as organized in June following in the Mclntyre neighbor- 
hood, of which G. W. Spencer was superintendent. 

The first school district formed wholly in the town was what 
is know^n as the Mclntyre District, and the first teacher, Charlotte 
Crawford, now Mrs. Mclntyre. 

The rite of baptism was first administered by Rev. C. B. Mills, 
by immersion in the creek near the house of Horace Fox, in 1858. 



CHUECHES. 



A class ot the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized 
about 1859, as the result of a protracted meeting held by Elder Bur- 
gess. It numbers now about forty members. Services are held 
every alternate Sunday in the Baptist Church. A class also meets 
at the Dodge school-house in the south part of the town. A union 
Sunday-school meets in the Conkling District under the direction of 
the Methodist Protestant denomination, and occasional services are 
held. 

The Baptist Church of Rich was organized in 1868. In 1880 
a church edifice was erected with a seating capacity of about 200, a 
neat, plain structure with a tall and shapely spire. It was dedicated 
October 14, 1880, sermon by Rev. C. B. Mills, of Hillsdale College. 
The pastor is the Rev. Mr. Rogers. Services are held every alter- 
nate Sunday. A union Sunday-school meets every Sunday. Services 
are also held every other Sunday in the Smith school-house. 



Section 
Section 
Section 



Section 4. 



Section 5. 



Section 6. 



LAND ENTRIES PRIOR TO 1860. 

TOWNSmP 10 NOETH, EANGE 10 EAST. 

Lewis Seyforth, October 27, 1857. 
James Richard Barnes, December 8, 1859. 
Franklin Charlton, September 16, 1857. 
Samuel H. Miller, September 3, 1859. 
Justice L. Jones, September 1, 1858. 
Robert Dexter, November 17, 1858. 
Michael Lynch, October 12, 1854. 
Thurston Wells, December 12, 1854. 
Franklin K. Beck, September 21, 1855. 
Franklin K. Beck, September 22, 1855. 
Robert Dexter, October 26, 1857. 
Mark Morrison, October 12, 1854. 
Jacob Blue, March 20, 1855. 
John Mclntyre, May 14, 1855. 
Simeon Crawford, June 7, 1855. 
Franklin K. Beck, September 22, 1855. 
Theodore E. Belding, June 6, 1853. 
EH Thayer, January 18, 1855. 
George Pearsall, February 7, 1855. 
Seth D. Thayer, February 28, 1855. 
WiUiam Edwards, March 16, 1855. 
William Edwards, April 18, 1855. 
Hart N» Lucas, December 14, 1853. 
David M. Pierson, September 1, 1854. 
Anson Beardslee, December 23, 1854. 



Section 7. 



Section 8. 



Section 9. 



Section 10. 
Section 12. 
Section 13. 

Section 14. 
Section 15. 
Section 17. 



Section 18. 



Section 19. 



Section 20. 



Section 21. 



Section 22. 



Section 23. 



Section 24. 



Section 25. 



Mark M. Jerome, January 16, 1854. 
John R. Begel, November 30, 1854. 
Henry I. Oliver, November 30, 1854. 
Simeon Crawford, March 20, 1855. 
Frederick Bartlett, October 16, 1854. 
George Pearsall, February 7, 1855. 
William L. Miles, July 2, 1855. 
Franklin K. Beck, September 21, 1855. 
Johannes Ducker, December 22, 1859. 
Charles Pearsall, February 22, 1855. 
James Miles, June 28, 1853. 
Wilham S. Miles, July 3, 1855. 
John Mclntyre, May 26, 1856. 
Johannes Ducker, October 27, 1857. 
George W."Miles, November 8, 1859. 
Peter Layman, October 26, 1857. 
Justice L. Jones, September 1, 1858. 
Levi Stevens, February 27, 1855. 
Peter Plumb, February 27, 1855. 
Thomas Tocmby, April 6, 1855. 
WiUiam W. Hartshorn, August 13, 1855. 
Edward H. Thompson, May 9, 1856. 
Edward H. Thompson, May 9, 1856. 
William H. Hartshorn, September 10, 1855. 
Clark Hyatt, July 13, 1855. 
Edward H. Thompson, May 9, 1856. 
Thomas Pearsall, February 22, 1855. 
William L. Miles, July 2, 1855. 
Elizabeth Forman, October 1, 1855. 
Wilham W. Hartshorn, October 17, 1855. 
Edward H. Thompson, May 9, 1856. 
Simeon Crawford, March 20, 1855. 
Simeon Crawford, May 8, 1855. 
Gardner W. Simpson, November 12, 1855. 
Simeon Crawford, April 14, 1856. 
Edmond Fitzgerald, October 26, 1854. 
Alexander McFaiiane, November 8, 1855. 
Gardner W. Simpson, November 12, 1855. 
Virgil L. Wilcox, July 30, 1855. 
Edmund H. McQuigg, August 4, 1855. 
Franklin K. Beck, September 2, 1855. 
Elizabeth Forman, October 1, 1855. 
Ira Davenport, May 6, 1854. 
Edward H. McQuigg, August 4, 1855. 
Eh Sheppard, September 20, 1855. 
William McGregor, November 12, 1855. 
Erotes P. Hastings, February 20, 1837. 
Ira Davenport, May 6, 1854. 
Wilham H. Hartshorn, July 23, 1855. 
John W. Moote, August 3, 1855. 
H. H. and WiUiam W. Crapo, April 15, 1856. 
Gustavus P. Hosmer, September 25, 1852. 
William Lucas, June 13, 1855. 
David Luther, July 5, 1855. 
H. H, and William W. Crapo, April 15, 1856. 
Edward H. Thompson, May 9, 1856. 
Gustavus P. Hosmer, September 25, 1852. 
Myron H. L. TyrreU, November 27, 1852. 
William W. Hartshorn, August 13, 1855. 
H. H. and WiUiam W. Crapo, April 15, 1856. 
Edward H. Thompson, May 9, 1856. 
Gustavus P. Hosmer, September 25, 1852. 
Walter McCuUy, November 25, 1854. 



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208 



HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



William McGill, January 15, 1855. 

Amos Houghtaling, September 8, 1855. 
Section 26. Gustavus P. Hosmer, September 25, 1852. 

Edgar Sheldon, February 25, 1854. 

Edgar Sheldon, June 24, 1854. 

Walter McCully, November 25, 1854. 

James White, January 15, 1855. 

Archibald Dodds, June 5, 1855. 

William Lucas, June 13, 1855. 

Gustavus P. Hosmer, October 18, 1855. 
Section 27. Henry K. Sanger, January 16, 1837. 

Eiotes P. Hastings, February 20, 1837. 

Edgar Sheldon, October 20, 1852. 

Wilham S. Driggs, April 18, 1853. 

William S. Driggs, June 26, 1853. 

Walter McCully, November 25, 1854. 
Section 28. Charles L. Shepard, April 18, 1853. 

Edgar Sheldon, December 8, 1853. 

Wilham W. Hartshorn, July 7, 1855. 

Charles L. Shepard, September 20, 1855. 
^ H. H. and Wilham W. Crapo, April 15, 1856. 
Section 29. Charles C. HascaU, February 10, 1855. 

E. H. McQuigg, E. C. Turner and Clark Hyatt, Au- 
gust 25, 1855. 

Charles L. Shepard, September 20, 1855. 

Franklin K. Beck, September 22, 1855. 

Ferris F. Hyatt, October 15, 1855. 

William Pengra, May 17, 1856. 
Section 30. Edmund H. McQuigg, August 4, 1855. 

Alexander McFarlin, November 8, 1855. 
Section 31. Oscar F. Cargill, April 29, 1853. 

Edward H. McQuigg, Edward C. Turner and Clark 
Hyatt, August 25, 1855. 

Ferris F. Hyatt, October 15, 1855. 

Jeremiah Chapman, October 20, 1855. 

Henry Palmer, November 8, 1855. 

Clark Oliver, December 3, 1855. 

H. H. and W. W. Crapo, April 15, 1856. 

H. H. and W. W. Crapo, May 7, 1856. 
Section 32. Oscar F. Cargill, April 29, 1853. 

William Swadling, November 9, 1854. 

Elijah W. Risii]g and Oscar Clemens, December 6, 
1854. 

Edmund H. McQuigg, Edward C. Turner and Clark 
Hyatt, August 25, 1855. 

James Petteys, September 26, 1855. 

David Burger, September 22, 1855. 

Ferris F. Hyatt, October 15, 1855. 
Section 33. Charles L. Shepard, April 18, 1853. 

Ealph C. Smith, June 8, 1853. 

Ralph C. Smith, August 2, 1853. 

Charles N. Beecher, June 9, 1855. 

Moses Miller, June 9, 1855. 

Moses MiUer, October 8, 1855. 

George M. Dewey, January 22, 1856. 
Section 34. Henry K. Sanger, January 16, 1837. 

Joseph B. Hart, September 5, 1851. 

William S. Driggs, March 22, 1853. 

William S. Driggs, December 1, 1852. 

Samuel Lewis, April 21, 1853. 

William S. Driggs, June 25, 1853. 

George M. Dewey, December 6, 1854. 

George M. Dewey, December 20, 1854. 



Section 35. 
Section 36. 



George M. Dewey, January 22, 1856. 
Henry K. Sanger, January 16, 1837. 
Charles Seymour, January 16, 1837. 
Henry K. Banger, January 16, 1837. 
Asa Richards, February 7, 1854. 
Joel Richards, May 6, 1854. 
Walter McCully, November 25, 1854. 
Asa Richards, July 11, 1855. 



CIVIL HISTORY. . 

At a meeting of the board of supervisors of Lapeer County, 
December 1st., 1858, the following action was taken: ^'Resolved, 
that the first annual township meeting for the election of town- 
ship officers for the further organization of the township of Rich 
be held at the house of James Miles, situated in said township, on 
the first Monday of April next and that the following persons, to 
wit, Simeon Crawford, Horace Fox, and James Miles, three electors 
of said township be, and they are hereby designated and appointed 
to preside at said township meeting, and to perform all the duties 
required by the statute in such cases made and provided." This rec- 
ord is signed by Charles Rich, clerk of the board of supervisors. 

The township meeting was held at the time designated, viz: 
on the 4th day of April, 1859, at the house of George Miles, son 
and successor of James Miles. The following officers were elected 
viva voce: Overseer of highways, in Road District No. 1, John 
E. Deming; in District No. 2, John Mclntyre; and in District 
No. 3, Leighton Richards. It was also voted to raise three dollars 
town bounty on aU wolves killed in the town this year, to raise one 
hundred dollars to defray incidental expenses; to allow the town 
treasurer four per cent on all monies collected ; to raise five hun- 
dred dollars for highway purposes and to expend one hundred dollars 
of the same on the highways the present season ; to buy one acre of 
ground in the southwest corner of Eli Thayer's southwest field, or 
improvement, on section 5 and to pay him twenty dollars for it, 
he to fence the same with a good substantial rail fence. 

The total number of votes cast was sixteen, the vote in detail 
being as follows: For supervisor, Simeon Crawford received thir- 
teen votes; for clerk, Leighton Richards received fourteen votes; 
for treasurer, Seth Thayer received fourteen votes ; for commissioner 
of highways, John Mclntyre received fourteen votes, Asa Richards 
fourteen, Horace Fox fourteen. For justices of the peace, Martin 
Fox received thirteen votes, Simeon Crawford fourteen; Thurston 
Wells fourteen, and Eli Thayer fourteen. For school inspectors, 
Lyman Smith received fourteen votes and Seth Thayer fourteen. 
For constables, Thomas Pearsall received fourteen votes, Asa Rich- 
ards twelve, Lyman Smith one and R. Dexter one. For overseer 
of the poor, Thurston Wells received thirteen votes and Asa Rich- 
ards ten. Those receiving a majority of votes in each case were 
declared elected. The terms of the justices were fixed as follows : 
Eli Thayer for one year, Simeon Crawford for tw^o years, Thurston 
WeUs for three years, and Martin Fox for four years. The high- 
way commissioners were declared elected as follows : John Mclntyre 
for one year, Horace Fox for two years and Asa Richards for three 
years. The record of the meeting is signed by Simeon Crawford, 
Jacob Blue, Horace Fox and John E. Deming as inspectors of elec- 
tion. It was voted to hold the next town meeting at the school- 
house in section 4. 

At a special town meeting, the occasion for which does not 
appear on the records, held May 2, 1859, Simeon Crawford was 
elected supervisor; Geo. Miles,% Martin Fox, Simeon Crawford 
and Eli Thayer justices of the peace, and Horace Fox commissioner 
of highways. 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY 



209 



A settlement was had between the towns of Rich and Deerj&eld 
at a joint meeting of the two boards of all accounts except school 
district monies ; and there was found due the town of Rich the total 
sum of 1618.68. 

February 13, 1864, a special town meeting was held for the 
purpose of providing for the payment of war bounties, and it was 
voted to raise $200 for each person required to fill the quota of the 
town, and this action was endorsed and ratified at the next annual 
town meeting. 

August 1, 1867, a special town meeting voted f 750 for high- 
way purposes, and since that time, liberal appropriations have from 
time to time been made for this purpose. 

The population of Rich in 1880 was 882. 

Aggregate valuation of real and personal property as equalized 
by the board of supervisors in 1882 was 270,000. 

Census of 1874: Population, 598; acres of taxable land, 22,- 
025; of improved land, 1,960; of State land, 415; number of sheep, 
172; of swine over 6 months old, 172; of neat cattle, other than oxen 
and cows, one year old and over, 216; of horses, 109; of work oxen, 
114; of milch cows, 194; products of preceding year, 963 pounds of 
wool; 4,463 pounds of pork marketed; 17,347 pounds of butter made ; 
5,810 bushels of wheat raised; 4,060 of corn; 7,877 of other grain; 
192 of apples; 2,964 of potatoes; and 672 tons of hay. In 1874, 
3,480 pounds of maple sugar were made. 

The annual report of the school inspectors of the town of Rich 
for the year 1882 shows the number of school children to have been 
286, number of school buildings, three. The school inspectors for 
the ensuing year were John B. Mclntyre, N. B. Case, G. W. Cowles, 
Pranklm Conklin, Frank Strobridge. 



TOWN OFFICERS. 

1859 — Supervisor, Simeon Crawford; clerk, Leighton Rich- 
ards; treasurer, Seth Thayer; number of votes, 16. 

1860 — Supervisor, Simeon Crawford; clerk, Leighton Rich- 
ards; treasurer, Seth Thayer. 

1861 — Supervisor, John E. Demiug; clerk, Lyman Smith; 
treasurer, Horace Fox; number of votes, 20. 

1862 — Supervisor, Horace Fox; clerk, Albert L. Smith; treas- 
urer, Martin Fox; number of votes, 20. 

1863 — Supervisor, Horace Fox; clerk, Albert L. Smith; treas- 
urer, Martin Fox, number of votes, 27. 

1864 — Supervisor, Horace Fox; clerk, Charles Sheffield; treas- 
urer, Martin Fox; number of votes, 25. 

1865 — Supervisor, Horace Fox; clerk, Giles Roberts; treas- 
urer, Martin Fox; number of votes, 18. 

1866 — Supervisor, Lewis Wilcox ; clerk, Giles Roberts; treas- 
urer, Martin Fox; number of votes, 31. 

1867 — Supervisor, J. B. Mclntyre; clerk, James Morrison; 
treasurer, Martin Fox ; number of votes, 48. 

1868 — Supervisor, John B. Mclntyre ; clerk, James Morrison ; 
treasurer, Martin Fox; number of votes, 44. 

1869— Supervisor, John B. Mclntyre; clerk, James Morrison; 
treasurer, Martin Fox; number of votes, 43. 

. 1870 — Supervisor, John B. Mclntyre; clerk, James Morrison ; 
treasurer, Martin Fox. 

1871 — Supervisor, John B. Mclntyre; clerk, James Morrison; 
treasurer, Martin Fox. 

1872 — Supervisor, John B. Mclntyre; clerk, James Morrison; 
treasurer, Martin Fox. 

1873 — Supervisor, Horace Fox; clerk, James Morrison;. treas- 
urer, Martin Fox. 



1874— Supervisor, James Morrison; clerk, N. K. Lawrence; 
treasurer, Martin Fox. 

1875 — Supervisor, John B, Mclntyre; clerk, James Morrison; 
treasurer, Martin Fox. 

1876 — Supervisor, Horace Fox; clerk, John B. Mclntyre; 
treasurer, Martin Fox. 

1877— Supervisor, John B. Mclntyre; clerk, John R. Thomas; 
treasurer Martin Fox. 

1878— Supervisor, Lewis Wilcox; clerk, Horace Fox, Jr.; 
treasurer, John Stevens. 

1879— Supervisor, Martin Fox; clerk, Horace Fox, Jr.; treas- 
urer, John Stevens. 

1880— Supervisor, Lewis Wilcox; clerk, Horace Fox, Jr.; 
treasurer, N. K. Lawrence. 

1881 — Supervisor, John Stevens; clerk, Horace Fox, Jr.; 
treasurer, Warren C. Blair. 

1882 — Supervisor, John Stevens; clerk, Horace Fox, Jr.; 
treasurer, Warren C. Blair. 

1883--Supervisor, Lewis Wilcox; clerk, Horace Fox, Jr.; 
treasurer, George W. Miles. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

WiLLSoN Buck was born in Lincoln County, Ont,, in 1812, 
where he was brought up as a farmer. In 1860 he came to Michi- 
gan and settled in Deerfield, Lapeer County. In 1868 he removed 
from that township to Rich, where he has a farm of eighty acres in 
section 32. Has served as a justice of the peace. He was married 
in 1833 to Miss Ardeha Merrill, of New York State. They have 
two sons and four daughters . 

ARcmBALD DoDDs was born in Berwickshire, Scotland, in 1826. 
In 1848 he emigrated to the United States and went to Mill Point, 
Wis., where he worked in the mines, and also as a farmer. He 
afterward lived in the States of Ohio and New York. In 1855 he 
bought land in Rich Township, Lapeer County, and in 1860 settled 
upon it. His original purchase was 160 acres, to which he after- 
ward added 93 more. His farm is on sections 26 and 35. At the 
time of his settlement in that part of Rich there was only one other 
family near him, that of the Rev. Mr. Richards. During 1865 he 
was a member of Company K, Twelfth Michigan Infantry, and 
saw service in the southwest. Has been a justice of the peace. In 
1879 he was elected highway commissioner, and re-elected in 1883. 
In 1859 he was married to Mrs. Maria Baker. They have four 
sons and one daughter. 

William A. Johnson was born in Leicestershire, England, in 
1822. He learned the trade of a carpenter and cabinet maker, 
which he followed until he emigrated to the United States, which 
was in 1854. He settled at what is now known as Croswell, in 
Sanilac County. Worked at his trade there until 1859, when he 
removed to Romeo, Macomb County, and also engaged in farming. 
In 1868 he came to Lapeer County and lived at North Branch until 
he got up a house on section 1, Rich. He has 240 acres in Rich 
and 40 more in Tuscola County adjoining. He was the first settler 
in his part of the township. Was a justice of the peace while in 
North Branch, also in Rich. He was married in 1843 to Miss Mary 
A. Coltman, a native of England. They have had five children, of 
whom two daughters and one son are living. The son, Austin 
Johnson, was born in Rutland, England, and came to the United 
States with his father. He lives on land near his father's house. 
Was married to Miss Ehzzabeth Pike in 1876. 

Louis Seyfarth was born in Saxe-Cobourg, Germany, in 1830. 
Raised on a farm. In 1854 emigrated to the United States and 
for about a year lived in New Jersey, and from that State went to 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEEE COUNTY. 



Flint, Mich. In 1856 he hought eighty acres of land in section 1, 
Eich, which he afterward sold, and bought 200 acres in sections 2 
and 11. When he settled on his land in 1861 there were no roads 
in this part of the country, and he had to cut his way through the 
woods. He was highway commissioner for eleven years, and has 
been assessor for School District No. 3 ever since it was organized, 
which was about 1865. He was married in 1859 to Catherine Con- 
rad, a native of France. They have four sons and one daughter. 

Nelson K. Lawrence was born in Oakland County, Mich., in 
1838. From there his parents removed to Oxford County, Upper 
Canada, when he was an infant, and he remained there until he 
was sixteen years of age. In 1854 he came to Marathon, Lapeer 
County, Mich. Was in his brother Denis' saw-mill for a number 
of years. In 1861 he enlisted in the First Michigan Cavalry, with 
which regiment he served in the army of the Potomac for eighteen 
months, when he was discharged on account of physical disability. 
He returned to Marathon, and in 1866 was married to Mary J. 
Hollenbeck, daughter of Jacob Hollenbeck, one of the pioneers of 
Marathon. He remained in that township until 1870, when he 
went on a farm of sixty-nine acres he had bought in section 6, 
township of Eich. In Marathon he was towai clerk and treasurer, 
and has also held the same offices in Eich. In 1882 he went to 
Mayville as manager of his father's grain elevator. 

Martin Fox was born in Genesee County, N. Y., in 1822. In 
1837 his parents moved to Oxford County, Upper Canada, where 
he lived until 1856. He then came to Eich, Lapeer County, and 
located on section 6, where he had bought 124 acres of land, 40 
of which he has since given to his son, Horace, leaving eighty-four 
acres in his own farm. There were only three or four settlers in 
this neighborhood when he settled here. He served fourteen years 
as township treasurer and one as supervisor. He was married in 
1846 to Miss Elizabeth Bchermerhorn, a native of Brant County, 
Ont. They have a family of six children living, one son and five 
daughters. 

William Kelch, Sr., was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1813. 
He came to Michigan in 1856. After a short stay in Pontiac re- 
moved to Eich, where he has forty acres in section 10. Has been 
a school treasurer. In 1834 he was married to Margaret Vander- 
pool, a native of Pennsylvania. They had four sons and three 
daughters. Three of the. sons were in the army. One died of 
diseases contracted in the service, a second lost an arm, and a third 
escaped unhurt. Eichard was in the Twenty-ninth Michigan In- 
fantry, William was in the Ninth Michigan Cavalry, and Abram was 
in the Twenty-second Michigan Infantry. 

William Kelch, Jr., was born in Bradford County, Penn., in 
1845. Came to Michigan with his father in 1856. In 1863 he en- 
listed in the Ninth Michigan Cavalry. He was wounded near At- 
lanta, Ga., in October, 1864, aud lost an arm, the left one, and re- 
ceives a pension of $30 per month. Has been a constable. In 
1871 was married to Miss Emma J. Blue, a native of Marathon. 
They have had seven children, of whom five survive. Mr. Kelch 
farms forty acres in section 4, Eich. 

Peter Eumph was born in 1830 in Orange County, N. Y. He 
came to Michigan in 1852, setthng first in Oakland County. In 
1863 came to Eich and located on section 17, where he farms eighty 
acres. In 1864 he enlisted in Company A, Twenty second Michi- 
gan Infantry, which regiment was in the army of the Cumberland. 
During his terra of service was on detached service most of the time, 
In 1865 returned to his farm in Eich, which he has brought to an 
excellent state of cultivation. He has filled the position of school 
director seventeen years and highway commissiouer two. Was 
married in 1856 to Miss Mary J.fWhite, a native of Oakland County. 
They have six children, sons, all living. 



James H. Johnson was born in Norfolk County, Ont., in 1834. 
His parents removed from there to Norwich, Oxford County, where 
he learned the trade of a carpenter. In June, 1866, he came to 
Eich Township, where he worked as a carpenter and lumberman 
for a number of years. In 1875-'76 he bought 120 acres of land in 
section 8, and in 1882 bought forty more in section 17. Was 
highway commissioner for three years. He in 1857 married Maria 
Clinton, of Dumfries, Brant County, Ont., by whom he had two 
daughters. She died in 1864, and in 1866 he was again married 
to Harriet Darling, of Starrington, Canada. They have had four 
sons and two daughters. 

Albert E. Kelley was born in Avon, Oakland County, Mich., 
in 1837. With the exception of two years lived on a farm in that 
county until 1860. In that year he moved to Marathon, Lapeer 
County, where he had forty acres of land. In 1862 he enlisted in 
the Tenth Michigan Infantry. A few months after he was in the 
field he was sent to hospital, from where he was detailed to drive 
team. While engaged in that duty he was wounded near Hamburg 
Landing, disabling him so that he was discharged. On his return 
to the State he lived for a short time in Eich and then went to Ox- 
ford, Oakland County. In 1866 he settled on eighty acres of land 
he had bought in 1865 in section 8, Eich. It was all wild land, 
and he commenced the arduous task of clearing up a farm. He also 
runs a threshing machine portions of the year. He has served as 
constable for four years, and since 1880 has been sexton of the 
cemetery. Has been married twice, the first wife being Mary Ste- 
phens, of Oakland County, by whom he had three children, and 
to whom he w^as married in 1858. In 1863 he was again married 
to Mrs. Emeline E. Monroe, a native of Macomb County. She has 
had fiYB children by Mr. Kelley, and one by her first husband. 

Lewis Wilcox was born in Lyme, Jefferson County, N. Y., in 
1828. Learned the trade of a ship carpenter there, and at Sackett's 
Harbor, N. Y., where he worked for some three years. In 1849 he 
went to Chicago and was there for five years. From there went to 
Cleveland. In each of these cities worked at his trade. Came to 
Lapeer County in 1855 and was two years in Marathon and eight in 
Deerfield, engaged in farming. In 1865 he moved on eighty acres 
of land he owned in section 4, Eich. For seven years was super- 
visor for Deerfield, and in Eich has been elected three times, the 
last being in the spring of 1883. Has also been highway commis- 
sioner, pathm aster, director, moderator and inspector of School 
District No. 1. Was married to Miss Mary Bannister, a native of 
St. Lawrence County, N. Y. They have two children, a son and 
daughter. 

Thurston Wells was born in, Attica, Genesee County, N. Y., 
in 1819. Lived there until 1854, when he came to Michigan. He 
remained in Pontiac for a short time and in the fall of that year 
bought forty acres of land in section 3, Eich, to which he afterward 
added eighty more. His farm now consists of eighty acres, having 
sold forty. Since he has been in Eich he has been a lumberman as 
well as a farmer. He was the first actual settler in the township, 
and the trip from Piersonville, in Marathon Township, to his land 
took a week to accomplish, a journey that can now be made in less 
than two hours. In coming to his land he had to follow section 
lines and cut his way through a dense wilderness, being the first 
pathmaster in this section, an office he has since held. He was 
married in 1856 to Mary Miles, a native of Grand Blanc, Genesee 
County, Mich. They have had four children, of whom three sur- 
vive. The eldest, a daughter named Jane, was born in 1858, and 
is now a Mrs. George Cole, of East Saginaw. The two others are a 
SOD, Olin, borr in 1862, and a daughter, Clara, born in 1866; live 
at home with their parents. 

Harvey S. Chaplin is a native of Hartland, Niagara County, 



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HISTOEY OF LAPEER COUNTY. 






211 



N. Y., where he was born in 1831. Was brought up as a farmer. 
When he came to Michigan he at first hved with his father, who 
was one of the first settlers in Marathon, Lapeer County. In 1879 
he located on section 31, Kich, where he farms forty acres. Has 



been connected with the management of the township schools. 
Was married in 1855 to Miss Mary E. Miles, by whom he had two 
children. She died in 1867, and in 1868 he was married to Miss 
Phoebe A. Chnk. They have a family of five children. 




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